Climate change continues to present a number of challenges to the international community. From individuals to organizations to government agencies, everyone is trying to do their part to meet the challenges of changing ecosystems around the world.
i Odishathese are back-to-back storms that have affected the lives of millions of people. Phelan in 2013, Hadad in 2014, Tatli in 2018, Fani and Bulbul in 2019, and Amfaan in 2020 left a lasting impression on the state, especially its green cover.
Given such a situation, an entrepreneurial group comprising people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in a rural district of Cuttack has taken up mini-forestry in Brahmasialu village under Kantapada block. Forming a club called Bhubane Sawari for this purpose, the group has created seven forests, covering eight acres of unused land. After a humble beginning on August 15, 2017, Green Brigade has committed to planting trees for life and ensuring their conservation.
In the first year itself, the group planted saplings on both sides of 1 km of their village road.
In the years that followed, they planted more than 10,000 trees behind the girls’ school, near wasteland reserved for the village’s presiding deity, and in areas like the crematorium – all without any government or private assistance.
The trees they plant are not ordinary because they can withstand strong winds and even hurricanes. One of the forests created by the group is dedicated to fruit trees for children. Additionally, in the village, hundreds of banyan and neem trees have been planted on the banks of the pond and in the danda (outskirts of the village).
This year, club members collected and planted more than 1,000 palm seeds to protect the village from lightning strikes. Besides that Planting treesClub members regularly organize various awareness programs in their villages and schools.
Bikash Ranjan Mohanty, president of the club, said that next year, the group plans to create a garden of medicinal plants and rehabilitate all the ponds in the village.
Mohanty said that initially the club had only ten members. Later, the total entries crossed 70.
“Planting trees is one thing, but ensuring their safety and maintenance is another. We have created a dedicated social media group and asked members to monitor the growth of the trees they planted,” he said. Bekash said.
Club Secretary Abhijit Patnaik said that climate change is indeed a huge challenge and there is a dire need to stand strong against it. “The back-to-back cyclones that keep hitting Odisha have also affected our village,” he said, adding: “We realized that by planting trees, we can make a difference.” With cover, the cooling effect can now be felt. Patnaik further explains, “Government agencies used to plant small trees, mostly kadamba and kaji phula, but they were hardly of any use as they were quite They didn’t even provide shade,” Patnaik further explained.
Commenting on the choice of trees, Kishore Rotre, a senior member of the club, said: “We chose to plant palm trees in our village as they provide protection from lightning. They can also stand strong against storms. .
This group has proven that the fight against climate change can be started with small steps, provided the intention is right.
The club’s success story stretches far and wide. Now they plan to extend their awareness programs to neighboring villages and encourage more people to join their cause.
The state government has also taken note of their efforts and promised to provide resources to continue the good work. Village sarpanch Nikola Senapati said that fruit trees have been planted. Bhubaneswari Club They are a source of healthy and nutritious food. He said, “Our entire village is supporting this noble endeavour.
Environmentalist Selabala Padhi said the move is a shining example of how small steps can lead to big changes. “By taking matters into their own hands and working towards a common goal, they have shown that anyone can make a difference in the fight against climate change,” he said.
“Whether it’s through planting trees, reducing carbon footprint, or simply spreading awareness – every action counts,” added Padhi.
Bhubaneswari Club is a testament to the power of youth and the impact that a small group of dedicated individuals can have on a community and environment. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to start taking action against climate change.