Nuapada: At a time when large-scale deforestation leads to ecological imbalance and global warming across the globe, a couple in Nuapada has been working relentlessly towards restoring greenery here.
Lalmani Harijan and his wife Ghasen Harijan converted an unproductive barren patch of land into a forest. Their efforts have given a new lease of life to Chaulmachi forest which had turned barren some 26 years ago.
Worried over the condition of the forest, the couple took care and guarded the forest from anti-social elements since 1992.
“I have been protecting the Chaulmachi forest since 1992. The forest had turned into a barren land as people used to steal woods from it. Seeing the condition of the forest, I started planting trees here,” said Lalmani.
With buckets of water, saplings and an axe in hand, the couple never missed a day to plant trees in the forest.
“The land here only had stones on its surface. We started taking care of the forest and created awareness among the people to stop cutting down
trees. I guard the forest from one side while my husband keeps a vigil from the other side at night,” said Lalmani’s wife Ghasen.
“The forest had become barren without trees. After Lalmani started taking care of the forest, it has now become home for many birds and animals,” said Parmeshwar Barik, a local resident.
Sinapali Forest Ranger Murari Prasad Panda said Lalmani received the Environment Friend Award in 2009 for his efforts in forest conservation. Moreover, he has been recruited under the ‘Ama Jungle’ programme.
PNN
