Youth from Odisha’s Kandhamal show the way to combat forest fires

Rising temperatures since March and April this year have caused fire incidents across Odisha and reduced priceless forest wealth to ashes. But the forests around some villages in the Kandhamal district have surprisingly remained unaffected so far.

The residents of the villages, which are about 300 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, have taken it upon themselves to prevent the spread of fire in the forest around them.

Kudupakia village under the Nuagoan block of Kandhamal district is an example where villagers have become the custodians of their forest, which gives them a source of living. And in this endeavour, youth have been at the forefront.

Volunteers from the Youth4Water Plus campaign have worked closely with the residents to educate them on preventing forest fires. The campaign, supported by UNICEF, is a network of more than 0.5 million young volunteers across Odisha.

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