A success story scripted in ‘Green Village’ emerging like a pearl necklace for Hirakud Wildlife Dvn

By D N Singh

Nature restores itself but some people on the ground make it a watershed initiative at conservation. And the outcomes are splendid narrating the tales of successes.

“Green village” Dhudrukusum bordering Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary near Hirakud wetland with around 48 families have taken milestone step towards wildlife Conservation.

It’s journey from forest dependency to conservation by reducing dependence from Debrigarh Sanctuary, by complete “NO” to open defecation or use of forest for the same as a practice they have started. As it many a times involves risk entering forest for the same during dawn & dusk as those times record high movement of wild animals to and fro in Debrigarh.

 

 

Hirakud Wildlife Division has constructed toilets in all 48 households of this village. Earthen reusable Dustbins have also been provided to all households for not using forest or banks of Hirakud wetland for dumping of daily wastes. All women in every household have been motivated & trained for the same.

The ambience is fabulous as wild life species dot the vast landscapes, birds chirp day long and the night have a special gravity of silence which assumes a mystic note which literally serenades to the quietness that cannot be described in words.

Little drizzle in the parting winter and ensuing summer showcase the spectacular sight of frogs coming out of the proverbial hibernation and the morning dew on the tree leaves create a mirage of ear-drop pearls.

Sambar, Indian Gaur, deer, peacocks etc mostly are seen grazing in the periphery of Dhudrukusum, decent lifestyle has made the village backyard clean and plastic free.

 

All households hav also adopted wildlife and hav promised to make the whole landscape an example in conservation.

Solar street lights have also been provided in the village to reduce man animal conflicts & depredation. Fuel efficient chullahs have been provided to all 48 households which will further reduce use of firewood and collection of wood from Debrigarh Sanctuary in large scale. All women have been trained for safe use of the same.

Boundaries of  Dhodrukusum and Debrigarh Sanctuary blend at one point , as wild animals mostly sambar,gaur,deer,wildboar,
peacocks etc are seen grazing  – no open defecation (toilets and dustbins) or use of forest for the same which was going on since years – leads to clean & less disturbed wildlife habitat.
In long run women SHGs & village Ecodevelopment committee will maintain this under guidance of Hirakud Wildlife Division.

Debrigarh sanctuary records high density of wildlife and due to its closeness to Hirakud reservoir animals mostly move through this village. Awareness among them will protect wildlife sustainably.

This concept will reduce pressure on wildlife habitat by use of fuel efficient chullahs, use of toilets (all use backyard sanctuary forest for defecation,this will be zero), plastic and garbage free village area will create cleaner space for grazing and movement of wild animals also will inculcate eco-friendly habits among neighbouring villages. Strengthen bonding of locals for Debrigarh and wildanimals.Reduced dependence on wildlife habitat & will provide more inviolate space for wild animals.

While admiring the villagers for all that, a word of thanks must go to the DFO of the division who helped knitting the dreams for the treasure trove.