Five years ago, Mr. Man Singh Murmu of Baijnathdih Village near Jamshedpur was finding
it hard to make ends meet for himself and his family. Residing in a rain-shadow area with
virtually no agricultural activity in the entire village, the condition of his co-villagers was
no better. The Community Services Department, Jamshedpur, correctly analysed that the
need was improving environmental conditions through tree plantation. It was looking for
a leader from within the community to mobilise community support. Mr. Man Singh
Murmu rose to the occasion and successfully motivated the other members of his village to
actively participate in tree plantation on their waste lands.
In fact, the leadership abilities displayed by Mr. Murmu ultimately led to the formation of
Baijnathdih Forest Protection Group with him as the President. The group took up the
responsibility for identifying waste land for tree plantation, for planting and taking care of
the saplings.
In partnership with the company, the diligent efforts of the group have borne fruits. Today
about 60 acres of waste land have been brought under plantation with fruit trees. The
plantation has positively impacted the environment and has also supplemented the
incomes of the villagers, thereby upgrading the social and economic fabric of the region.
Mr Murmu, who also works as a guard in a private security firm, says with pride ‘I would not
have become what I am today if Community Services of Tata Motors had not come to my
village. Today my fellow villagers and my family have gained enormously in terms of both
income and a healthy community life. I take interest in other aspects of development for
my village in consultation with my co-villagers. Acknowledging our unity and attitude
towards development, support has been extended from the Government as well and a
200 metres. PCC Link Road and one big Culvert has been developed, which has created
access to better communication facility for the villagers’. |
