Ranpur, Feb 28: Dengajhari village in Ranpur block of Nayagarh district is surrounded by mountains with lush greenery hosting several forest areas while a pond close to the village caters to the water needs of the area. However, another unique attraction captures the attention of the visitors.
The village, known in the area for traditionally harnessing the forest area, seems to engage more through communication to improve their knowledge and awareness of forest rights. Women members of the Kandh tribe who are predominantly seen in the area often make processed items from the local forest produce to improve their livelihood but they also take special care to be empowered.
With the enthusiastic support of the women of the tribal village, the village had constructed a one-stop centre for the villagers to get required information on the issue of forest rights which is otherwise safeguarded for them under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
In 2017, the women of the village constructed a medium-size cottage at the entry of the village to act as a facilitator to engage villagers in communication and debate on the issue of forest rights. They also sought meetings with experts and discuss on several facets of their rights as protected under the law. The cottage now acts as a meeting and discussion point for the whole village.
“Earlier, the villagers resolved to have a common information centre which could be used for discussing their issues at regular intervals. Women of the village alone built the cottage within two months. It has a mud wall, a thatched roof and painted walls which woo the villagers of all age groups to the centre,” said Bhagya Laxmi, a community leader from the area.
Bula Padan is a veteran from the village. She said the centre not only works for meetings and information centre for the villagers it is also used for workshop for others too. “Many women after completing our household chores assemble here to do some livelihood works like stitching sal leaves to make food plates among others,” she said.
PNN
