Odisha Carpenter Transforms Barren Land into a Flourishing Forest Over a Decade of Dedication

Pupun Sahu’s Decade-Long Journey to Reforest Rugged Slopes in Nayagarh Inspires a Greener Future

In the quiet district of Nayagarh in Odisha, India, a humble carpenter named Pupun Sahu has spent the past decade working tirelessly to turn desolate land into a lush green oasis. His dedication to this environmental mission began in 2014 when he started planting trees on a rugged, barren hillside. Determined to make a difference, Pupun planted saplings of mango, sugarcane, and bamboo, relying on his strength and resolve to carry water from the distant Kusumi River to nourish these young trees.

Despite numerous challenges, including limited resources and harsh environmental conditions, Pupun remained undeterred. His commitment to reforestation grew as he began expanding his efforts beyond just tree planting. Near the Mahima Alekha Ashram, Pupun revitalized the area by planting nearly 400 medicinal and fruit-bearing trees. This new green space quickly became an educational treasure for local students, offering them a hands-on experience with ecology and sustainable practices.

In addition to more common trees, Pupun cultivated an impressive array of medicinal and fruiting plants, including mulberry, cinnamon, cloves, amla, and even saffron. This diverse ecosystem, developed entirely through his own hard work, now supports a range of flora and fauna that have returned to the area.

Despite setbacks such as a forest fire that destroyed around 100 of his trees, Pupun’s commitment has never faltered. He continues to tend to the land and nurture new saplings, hoping to leave behind a legacy of greenery for future generations. His journey from carpenter to conservationist is a remarkable story of resilience, embodying a vision for a greener, more sustainable world.