Climate change continues to present multiple challenges before the global community. From individuals to organisations to govt entities, everyone is striving to contribute to combat the challenges posed by changing ecosystems the world over.
In Odisha, it is back-to-back cyclones that have impacted the lives of millions. Phailin in 2013, Hudhud in 2014, Titli in 2018, Fani and Bulbul in 2019, and Amphan in 2020 left a lasting impact on the state, particularly its green cover.
Given such a predicament, an enterprising group comprising individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in rural Cuttack district have taken up the task to create small forests in Bramhasialo village, under the Kantapada block. Having formed a club called Bhubane swari for this purpose, this group has created as many as seven forests, encompassing a staggering eight acres of unused land. After a humble beginning on August 15, 2017, the green brigade has pledged to plant trees for life and ensure their protection.
In the first year itself, the group undertook plantation along both sides of a 1 kmstretch of their village road.
In subsequent years, they planted more than 10,000 trees in areas such as Balikhama Padia, behind the girls’ school, near the barren land earmarked for the village’s presiding deity, and at the cremation ground – all without any govt or private assistance.
The trees they plant are no ordinary ones as these can withstand strong winds and even cyclones. One of the forests created by the group is dedicated to fruit trees for children. Additionally, hundreds of banyan and neem trees have been planted in the village, on pond embankments, and at Danda (village outskirts).
This year, the club members collected and planted more than 1,000 palm seeds to protect the village from lightning strikes. Besides tree planting, the club members regularly organise various awareness programmes in their village and at schools.
Next year, the group plans to create a garden of medicinal plants and undertake restoration of all ponds in the village, Bikash Ranjan Mohanty, the club president, said.
Mohanty said initially, there were only ten members in the club. Later, total enrolments surpassed 70.
“Planting trees is one thing, but ensuring their protection and maintenance is something else. We have created a dedicated social media group and have told members to monitor the growth of the trees they have planted,” Bikash said.
Club secretary Abhijit Patnaik said climate change indeed is posing formidable challenges and there is a heightened need to stand strong against it. “Back-toback cyclones that continue to hit Odisha have impacted our vil lage, too,” he said, adding: “We realised that with tree plantation, we can make a difference. With increased green cover, the cooling effect can now be felt, he said. “Govt agencies used to plant small trees, mostly Kadamba and Kajiphula, but those were hardly of any use as they didn’t even provide enough shade,” Patnaik further explained.
Commenting on the choice of trees, Kishore Routray, a senior member of the club, said: “We chose to plant palm trees in our village since those offer protection from lightning. They can also stand strong against cyclones.”
This group has demonstrated that the fight against climate change can start with small steps, provided the intent is right.
The club’s success story has spread far and wide. They now plan to extend their awareness programmes to neighbouring villages and encourage more people to join their cause.
The state govt has also taken note of their efforts and has promised to provide resources to keep up the good work. Nakula Senapati, the village sarpanch, said the fruit trees planted by Bhubaneswari club are a source of healthy and nutritious food. “Our entire village is supporting this noble endeavour,” he said.
Environmentalist Sailabala Padhi said this initiative is a shining example of how small actions 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,” she said.
“Whether it is through planting trees, reducing carbon footprint, or simply spreading awareness – every action counts,” Padhi added.
Bhubaneswari club bears testament to the power of youth and the impact that a small group of dedicated individuals can have on community and environment. It is a reminder that it is never too late to start taking action against climate change.