Odisha woman turns barren coastal land into green belt of over 50,000 trees; saves multiple villages

In a remarkable story of environmental resilience, Bengalata Rout, locally known as ‘Benga Maa’, of Tandahar village in Astaranga block in Puri district, has transformed barren stretches of coastal land into thriving green belts, creating two forests of casuarina and other wind and tide-shielding trees.

Sources reported that the now elderly woman began this transformation of hers almost single-handedly after the devastating 1999 supercyclone in Odisha. Over the last 25 years, she has also gathered the support of several local women who have joined her on this ‘green mission’.

A Daily Fight Against Coastal Erosion

Armed with a sapling in one hand and a digging tool in the other, the Bengalata Rout sets out daily to plant trees along the seaside. Notably, her work has significantly reduced the effects of saline winds and tidal surges in villages like Tandahar, Katakana, and Kalamkani, which are all vulnerable to climate-related threats.

“I started planting trees after the 1999 super cyclone that destroyed lives and livelihoods here. People who depended on paddy farming, betel vines, and fishing were devastated. I wanted to do something to protect our village from such disasters,” stated Rout in an interaction with OTV.

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One Woman’s Mission Turned Community Movement

Living barely 50 meters from the Bay of Bengal, ‘Benga Maa’ turned her personal mission into a community movement, mobilising local women and leading reforestation efforts, planting over 50,000 trees to date. Taking note of her exceptional work, environmental NGOs and the forest department have recognized her initiative and extended support to her growing green legacy.

The forest that she has nurtured includes rows of casuarina (jhaun), which act as natural barriers against sea winds and storms.

“Her efforts have been instrumental in reducing the impact of coastal erosion and salt-laden winds,” says Sudarshan Dehuri, forest officer of the Konark range.

Local volunteer and environmentalist Subrata Swain added, “She didn’t wait for government schemes but acted on her own to make a change. That’s what makes her extraordinary.”

Bengalata Raut’s story is not just about trees but about grassroots leadership, climate action, and how one woman’s determination can protect an entire coastline in a world reeling from an environmental crisis.