Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat programme, praised women from Odisha’s Debrigarh region for their pioneering efforts in forest conservation while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Once a daily forest produce collector, Maithili Bhue of Dhodrokusum village in Debrigarh has transformed into a symbol of conservation and empowerment. Her journey from gathering firewood, Mahua flowers, and Kendu leaves to leading eco-tourism initiatives has inspired dozens of women in the region.
PM Modi, in his social media post, praised Maithili’s efforts, calling her story a beacon of how community participation can protect forests while creating sustainable livelihoods. Modi noted that her leadership has motivated more than 40 women to abandon tree-felling and embrace conservation-based income activities such as eco-tourism, homestay management, wildlife protection, and grassland restoration.
In Odisha’s Debrigarh region, Maithili Bhue Ji’s journey from depending on forest produce to becoming part of eco-tourism has inspired several women to contribute towards forest conservation.#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/g41BNVwfGJ
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 30, 2026
Maithili’s association with Debrigarh’s community-based eco-tourism initiative in 2023 marked a turning point. She began managing the 100-seat Zero Point Restaurant, earning a steady monthly income of around Rs 9,500. This financial stability has ensured education for her children and healthcare for her family. Despite initial social resistance, her perseverance turned criticism into respect, leading to her unanimous election as President of the Dhodrokusum Eco-Development Committee.
Her leadership has also promoted LPG and fuel-efficient cookstoves, sanitation, waste management, and awareness of wildlife protection laws. Today, Debrigarh stands as a model of how women-led conservation can bring lasting green change.
