In most parts of the country where people are cutting trees to carve out a field for farming or build houses, one village in Odisha has turned things around by turning a barren forest green.
People of Chindaguda village, of Khariyar Block in the district Nuapada, which is 450 km away from Bhubaneswar, have set an example. They have done something that cannot be achieved by either the local administration or the Forest Department.
The forest, covered with commercially profitable trees, always attracted thieves. Till the year 1994-95 the youth association ‘Rakt Golap Sangh’ of the village, was protecting the forest. The heavy theft of wood was reported but to no avail. Because of the inaction the forest gradually lost its facade. For some years the forest remained in barren form.
Locals say, “Butu Manjhi, who lived very close to the forest, was very sad to see this state of the jungle. In the year 2000 he, together with his two friends, Dhanmat B C and Jabad B C, took the responsibility of protecting the forest. Butu Manjhi’s hard work yielded fruit. As the forest showed some green cover other people of the village came along too.
In the year 2006 Village Forest Protection Committee was formed. Then, with the help of the Forest Department, beside teak and bamboo, other trees were also cultivated on this mountain. Now it’s greenery is back for all to see”
Butu says, “Now because of the forest, the village looks good as well, otherwise it used to look deserted.”
Butu says, just like children even trees need to be paid attention towards.”
It makes Butu happy to see the forest back in the old form, and he shares, “Many small animals have started living here as well, that gives me immense pleasure.”
For over 14 years Butu and his friends are working to conserve the nature. In summer they can’t sleep in peace as they fear fire in the jungle.
Some progressive people acknowledge this endeavor as Butu’s precious contribution to the society.
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