BARGARH : Amjhar village of Bargarh district has set a new example for other villages to make their environment clean. The villagers have joined hands to protect and conserve the environment.
Amjhar, a village of 120 households, is situated on the foothills of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The village has a population of more than 400 people. It comes under Attabira Tehsil of Bargarh district.
With the support of the authorities of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the villagers have come forward to make their village free from pollution. They have also decided to make the village free from open defecation. The villagers have promised to make the use of toilets and dustbins compulsory in every household of the village. On July 23, all the villagers pledged to do so in the presence of the village deity. DFO of Hirakud Wildlife Division and other forest officials of Debrigarh were also present during the pledge.
The authorities of Debrigarh have constructed new toilets in 9 houses and repaired 76 toilets in the village. The authorities have also constructed 10 dustbins in the village so far. To facilitate the use of toilets, water tanks with water motors have been provided to the villagers. Repair and construction work in each house has been done in the presence of the family members.
Since generations, the villagers used the sanctuary for defecation and its natural streams to bring water. Now, the villagers have promised to participate in different works related to the sanctuary such as eco-tourism, road repair, etc with appropriate wages. They have also assured to help in the conservation and protection of the wild animals. Peacocks are also seen moving inside the village.
Few villagers of Amjhar are engaged in eco-tourism activities of the sanctuary. 10% share of the revenue generated from Debrigarh Eco-Tourism this year, has been used in the developmental works in the village.
Earlier in 2023, all 48 families of Dhodrokusum village with the support of Hirakud Wildlife Division had earned the ‘Green Village’ tag by making their village plastic free. The villagers had also made the use of toilets and dustbins compulsory in all households.