Odisha’s ‘Greenman’ Sudhir Rout Plans Afforestation Project in 13 More Bald Hills of Ganjam District
Sudhir Rout, popularly known as Odisha’s ‘Greenman,’ has successfully transformed 13 bald hills in Ganjam district into thriving green landscapes over the past six years. The 61-year-old academician, who holds a post-graduation degree in Physics, plans to take up the challenge of greening seven more hills in the region this year. Rout’s mission began in 2007 in his village of Madhabandha, Chikiti block, and has since expanded to include various hills, such as Rangamatia Pahada and Ramchandrapalli.
The Forest Department had previously dismissed these barren hills as having degraded soil. However, through the efforts of Aryabhatt Foundation, led by Sudhir Rout, these hills have now been transformed into lush green covers. This year’s plans include greening Russidalli Pahad, four hills between Bhuasuni and Bankeswari, a hill adjacent to Changudidei, one hill in Pakidi, and several hillocks like Baripada, Sahaspur, and Ramachandi. Additionally, tree planting initiatives will extend to areas such as Chikiti, Tamana, Berhampur city, and various schools, colleges, and Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas.
Sudhir Rout and his team have devised an innovative approach to their next green venture. They aim to sow around 700,000 seeds using seed balls in inaccessible areas of the hills, and an additional 500,000 to 600,000 seeds through traditional sowing methods. The preparation of seed balls will commence on May 19, and the plantation process will begin after June 10, just before the onset of the monsoon season. Sapling plantation is scheduled for mid-July. The 13 bald hills that have already undergone greening efforts include Balakumari, Podapadar, Bhaludhimbirai, Mahurikalua, Bhuasuni, Changudidei, Pakidi, Karakhola, Taratarini, Sahaspur, and Bhaliagada Hill. Promising results have been observed in hills like Ramachandra Palli, Bhuasuni, and Pakidi, with Ramchandrapalli leading the way with approximately 50,000 trees. Balakumari, where bamboo saplings were predominantly used, has also shown remarkable progress.
Sudhir Rout initiated the ‘Sabuja Rath’ campaign in 2010, aimed at raising public awareness about tree planting, water conservation, and the environmental hazards of polythene and plastics through folk arts. In 2016, he introduced the concept of village forests, covering 25 acres in Pitatali Panchayat, Madhabandha, and Palasara. Overall, Sudhir Rout’s relentless efforts to transform barren hills into lush green landscapes and his dedication to environmental preservation have earned him the title of ‘Greenman’ in Odisha.
Sudhir Rout, popularly known as Odisha’s ‘Greenman,’ has successfully transformed 13 bald hills in Ganjam district into thriving green landscapes over the past six years. The 61-year-old academician, who holds a post-graduation degree in Physics, plans to take up the challenge of greening seven more hills in the region this year. Rout’s mission began in 2007 in his village of Madhabandha, Chikiti block, and has since expanded to include various hills, such as Rangamatia Pahada and Ramchandrapalli.
The Forest Department had previously dismissed these barren hills as having degraded soil. However, through the efforts of Aryabhatt Foundation, led by Sudhir Rout, these hills have now been transformed into lush green covers. This year’s plans include greening Russidalli Pahad, four hills between Bhuasuni and Bankeswari, a hill adjacent to Changudidei, one hill in Pakidi, and several hillocks like Baripada, Sahaspur, and Ramachandi. Additionally, tree planting initiatives will extend to areas such as Chikiti, Tamana, Berhampur city, and various schools, colleges, and Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas.
Sudhir Rout and his team have devised an innovative approach to their next green venture. They aim to sow around 700,000 seeds using seed balls in inaccessible areas of the hills, and an additional 500,000 to 600,000 seeds through traditional sowing methods. The preparation of seed balls will commence on May 19, and the plantation process will begin after June 10, just before the onset of the monsoon season. Sapling plantation is scheduled for mid-July. The 13 bald hills that have already undergone greening efforts include Balakumari, Podapadar, Bhaludhimbirai, Mahurikalua, Bhuasuni, Changudidei, Pakidi, Karakhola, Taratarini, Sahaspur, and Bhaliagada Hill. Promising results have been observed in hills like Ramachandra Palli, Bhuasuni, and Pakidi, with Ramchandrapalli leading the way with approximately 50,000 trees. Balakumari, where bamboo saplings were predominantly used, has also shown remarkable progress.
Sudhir Rout initiated the ‘Sabuja Rath’ campaign in 2010, aimed at raising public awareness about tree planting, water conservation, and the environmental hazards of polythene and plastics through folk arts. In 2016, he introduced the concept of village forests, covering 25 acres in Pitatali Panchayat, Madhabandha, and Palasara. Overall, Sudhir Rout’s relentless efforts to transform barren hills into lush green landscapes and his dedication to environmental preservation have earned him the title of ‘Greenman’ in Odisha.
