Khaira: Local residents of Chakradharpur village of Shaymsundar panchayat under this block in Balasore district are not behind in keeping their village environment clean and green.
The villagers, including school and college students, have taken up massive plantation drive in their village. By now, more than 1000 fruit bearing trees and flowering plants have been planted in and around their village, making it an envy and inspiration at the same time for the nearby villages.
“First we find out empty spaces in our villages. Once earmarked, we start planting saplings. We have divided the duties like selection of saplings, their procurement, plantation and then their maintenance among us,” said the villagers.
They take utmost care in saving the trees from being withered due to water scarcity or eaten away by stray cattle.
“Our recent drive started from Gandhi Jayanti and came to an end November 9. We have planted 101 trees of different varieties, with mango, guava, neem and almond trees being most of them,” they stated. All pond embankments and the front space of Hariharjew temple have been covered as well.
While the last drive was inaugurated by Soro ranger Pradeep Kumar Jena, Jayant Kumar Rout, Gangadhar Nayak, Madhab Behera, Jyotikant Majhi, Sudam Roul, Monati Behera and some others are taking up the drive under the leadership of village head Basudeb Majhi and youth leader Laxmikant Sankhua.
When asked of how they united for the noble cause, the villagers give credit to the village committee. The village committee being inspired by few green crusaders is taking up the noble job of tree plantation in the area.
Mostly youths of the village actively participate and plant trees. They have planned to turn the village into greenery with different types of plants. This will not only keep the village environment clean but will encourage children and youngsters of the village to take a better way of living.
The efforts of the villagers received praises from all quarters. The villagers have also expressed their wish to pass on the good work to neighbour villages and encourage people to plant more trees and encourage plantation.
PNN
