Environment
Ansupa, restored by rural Odisha women
Ansupa, the only freshwater lake of Odisha and one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia has dried up and is filled with silt and filth. This lake being covered with weeds had almost lost its tourism potential. In association with Goonj, a Delhi-based NGO, Kadambini, and Balunkeswara,regional women self-help groups (SHGs), took charge of the lake restoration project. As the lake is a tourist spot with boating facility, its revival can allow the women to extend boating as a source of income. Goonj, under its Cloth for Work initiative, encouraged around 30 women from Malabiharpur village to clean 2,000 sq ft area of the lake. The praise-worthy part is the challenge of peak winter didn’t deter these village women who took up this task in two phases: November 20-28 and December 15-18.The two tonne of weeds extracted was in turn used as compost for the crops. They received tarpaulins and tent house material as reward which can further be given on rent to generate income. This is an inspiring story symbolizing the strength and can-do attitude of rural India.
|