Dudhmatia Forest Conservation: A Model of Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship
Hazaribag : Deputy commissioner Shashi Prakash Singh on Monday flagged off a cycle rally to Dudhmatia forest, 25 km from Hazaribag, ahead of the annual Van Mahotsav scheduled here on Tuesday.
The Dudhmatia movement, which began three decades ago in the village of Dudhmatia under the Tatijharia block, has evolved into a state-level model for forest conservation. Originally a barren and neglected area, the Dudhmatia forest is now dense and thriving, thanks to the villagers’ unwavering commitment to protecting nature.
The movement was initiated on Oct 7, 1995 by Mahadev Mahto, a local retired English teacher and environmentalist. Mahto started the Vriksha Bandhan campaign by tying sacred threads around trees to symbolically pledge their protection. He first worshipped the Van Devi (forest goddess) and tied a red thread around a tree, forming a personal bond with nature. Gradually, other villagers followed suit, transforming the symbolic act into a powerful community movement.
At the time of inception, only a few trees remained in the area. Today, the forest is so thick that sunlight struggles to reach the ground. Locals from Dudhdhmatia, Dehrbhanga, Ainta, and adjoining villages revere the forest deeply, prohibiting the plucking of leaves or twigs.
The impact of Dudhdhmatia’s initiative has extended beyond the village, inspiring the state forest department to organise similar ‘Tree Raksha Bandhan’ drives across Jharkhand to strengthen the bond between people and nature.
Mahto, a retired English teacher, said, “Dudhmatia is today a model for other places. It feels good to see people joining this drive over the years to save greenery.”
Divisional forest officer (DFO) Vikas Kumar Ujjwal said that Dudhmatia is an example not only in the state but also in the country about people's support and contribution. “Tomorrow, during Van Mahotsav, villagers will tie knots on trees, a practice known as Rakshabandhan, pledging to save trees," he said.
The Dudhmatia movement, which began three decades ago in the village of Dudhmatia under the Tatijharia block, has evolved into a state-level model for forest conservation. Originally a barren and neglected area, the Dudhmatia forest is now dense and thriving, thanks to the villagers’ unwavering commitment to protecting nature.
The movement was initiated on Oct 7, 1995 by Mahadev Mahto, a local retired English teacher and environmentalist. Mahto started the Vriksha Bandhan campaign by tying sacred threads around trees to symbolically pledge their protection. He first worshipped the Van Devi (forest goddess) and tied a red thread around a tree, forming a personal bond with nature. Gradually, other villagers followed suit, transforming the symbolic act into a powerful community movement.
At the time of inception, only a few trees remained in the area. Today, the forest is so thick that sunlight struggles to reach the ground. Locals from Dudhdhmatia, Dehrbhanga, Ainta, and adjoining villages revere the forest deeply, prohibiting the plucking of leaves or twigs.
The impact of Dudhdhmatia’s initiative has extended beyond the village, inspiring the state forest department to organise similar ‘Tree Raksha Bandhan’ drives across Jharkhand to strengthen the bond between people and nature.
Mahto, a retired English teacher, said, “Dudhmatia is today a model for other places. It feels good to see people joining this drive over the years to save greenery.”
Divisional forest officer (DFO) Vikas Kumar Ujjwal said that Dudhmatia is an example not only in the state but also in the country about people's support and contribution. “Tomorrow, during Van Mahotsav, villagers will tie knots on trees, a practice known as Rakshabandhan, pledging to save trees," he said.
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