Bhubaneswar, Aug. 30 (UDN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the inspiring work of women in Odisha’s Debrigarh region of Sambalpur, praising their efforts to protect forests while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for themselves and their communities.
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Speaking during his Mann Ki Baat programme, Modi narrated the journey of women from Dhodrokusum village, focusing on how their relationship with the forest has evolved from dependence on forest produce to active conservation and eco-tourism.
From Forest Produce Collector to Conservationist
The Prime Minister referred to the experience of Maithili Bhue, who earlier depended heavily on the forest to meet her family’s daily needs.
Maithili would regularly venture into the forest to collect firewood, Mahua flowers, Kendu leaves, bamboo shoots and other forest produce. For her family and many others in the region, the forest was an important source of both sustenance and income.
Her association with Debrigarh Eco-Tourism, however, opened a new avenue.
According to Modi, the forest gradually became more than just a source of raw materials for Maithili—it became a source of livelihood through conservation.
Over 60 Women Join Conservation Efforts
Maithili’s transformation subsequently encouraged several other women in the area to participate in conservation-related activities.
More than 60 women are now reportedly involved in protecting and managing the natural environment around Debrigarh. Their responsibilities range from wildlife protection and grassland development to supporting eco-tourism initiatives.
Their participation has created a model where environmental protection and economic opportunity complement each other.
‘Nature and Prosperity Can Go Together’
Highlighting the Debrigarh experience, PM Modi said the women have demonstrated that protecting nature can go hand in hand with improving livelihoods.
The initiative also underscores the role local communities can play in conservation when they have a direct stake in preserving natural resources.
The Prime Minister described the women of Debrigarh as an example of how individual efforts can grow into a broader community movement, creating both environmental and social benefits.
Their story from Dhodrokusum has now gained national attention through Mann Ki Baat, putting the spotlight on a community-led conservation model emerging from Odisha’s forests.
