Archive · 31 Aug 2026
PM Modi Praises Maithili Bhue’s Forest Conservation Efforts
Maithili Bhue lives in Dhodrokusum village near Debrigarh in Odisha.
She once collected firewood, bamboo shoots, Mahua flowers and Kendu leaves from the forest for daily needs.
In 2023, she joined Debrigarh Eco-Tourism.
She then began helping protect the same forest.
She also encouraged people to keep their village clean and use less plastic.
Her efforts inspired more than 60 women to join conservation and tourism work.
Some women protect wildlife, while others develop grasslands or help welcome visitors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Maithili during his Mann Ki Baat programme.
Local people and officials said they felt proud and encouraged by the recognition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Maithili Bhue during his Sunday Mann Ki Baat radio address.
Bhue shifted from collecting forest produce to supporting conservation after joining Debrigarh Eco-Tourism in 2023.
Her work helped encourage more than 60 local women to participate in conservation and eco-tourism activities.
The women help protect wildlife, develop grasslands, manage eco-tourism and promote cleaner, less plastic-dependent villages.
Debrigarh residents and sanctuary staff said Modi’s recognition motivated them and could increase public support for conservation.
- Who
- Maithili Bhue, more than 60 local women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Debrigarh residents and staff.
- What
- Maithili Bhue and other women were recognized for linking forest and wildlife conservation with livelihoods through Debrigarh Eco-Tourism.
- When
- During Narendra Modi’s Sunday Mann Ki Baat address; Bhue reportedly joined Debrigarh Eco-Tourism in 2023.
- Where
- Dhodrokusum village in the Debrigarh region of Odisha. The articles identify the district differently as Bargarh or Sundargarh.
- Why
- Their efforts aim to protect forests and wildlife, support eco-tourism, improve village cleanliness and strengthen women’s self-reliance.
- Recognition
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Maithili Bhue during the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, according to one article.
- Location
- Dhodrokusum village in Odisha’s Debrigarh region.
- Eco-tourism involvement
- Bhue joined Debrigarh Eco-Tourism in 2023, according to the divisional forest officer.
- Women participants
- More than 60 local women are involved in forest conservation, wildlife protection, grassland development and eco-tourism.
- Village improvements
- Bhue helped promote Dhodrokusum as a Green Village, including household toilets, dustbins and reduced plastic use.
- Women’s share
- Around 40 percent of people working in the Debrigarh eco-tourism initiative are women, according to the divisional forest officer.
- Reported district discrepancy
- One article identifies the area as Sundargarh district, while two others identify it as Bargarh district.
