Puri, May 1: For over 25 years, Bengalata Rout, affectionately known as "Benga Mausi", has led a quiet yet powerful environmental revolution in Tandahar village, nestled in the cyclone-prone Puri district of Odisha. Haunted by the horrors of the 1999 super cyclone, which wreaked havoc across the coastal belt, she made a solemn promise to protect her village from the wrath of the sea.
What began as a lone effort to reforest the barren coast has now grown into a legacy of resilience and hope.
Bengalata, with unyielding determination, has planted more than 40,000 saplings, casuarina, juniper, kia, and coconu transforming the once-devastated coastline into a thriving green belt.
Her mission wasn’t without setbacks. Cyclone Fani in 2019 destroyed much of her earlier work, but she didn’t give up. Instead, she restarted her plantation drive, one tree at a time.
Today, two verdant forests stand as natural shields against sea erosion, significantly reducing the impact of cyclonic winds and salty waves.
These green walls have not only saved Tandahar from further damage but have also restored agricultural activities in the region, giving the villagers a chance to reclaim their livelihoods.
Benga Mausi's efforts go beyond planting. She nurtures every sapling with deep affection, often carrying water on her shoulders to remote plantations, even under the scorching sun.
Her compassion and perseverance have safeguarded over 50,000 trees to date, making her a symbol of courage and sustainability.
Across Odisha and beyond, Bengalata’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that one woman’s commitment can spark profound environmental change. She has become a local legend, earning titles such as “Green Warrior,” “Eco Crusader,” and “Nature Guardian.”
In an era of growing climate uncertainty, Bengalata Rout’s dedication is not just a tribute to nature, it’s a call to action.
