If one wants to see for himself the 'grand success' of the State(Tamil Nadu) afforestation project, then he only has to step into a 'commmunity departmental store'in a tiny hamlet, Vadakaraparai, nestling along the stretch of Palani hills. Thanks to the Kodaikanal Forest Division which kickstarted the novel 'community shop' concent, a unique way not only to encourage joint village enterprise but also to preserve forstsbore ample testimony to the success of the afforestation project.