A dimension within Summer Heat & Public Services
Discussions revolve around forest conservation, biodiversity, and the role of structures like check dams in managing water scarcity.
150 voices speak to this
Each dimension splits this theme further — keep drilling to see how it breaks down.
Negative
Overall Community Sentiment
We have been living in this village for approximately 100 years. Our tribe originated in this surrounding area. There have been many changes in the forest; valuable trees, herbs, and animals have all disappeared. If we do not protect it, then within the next 20 years, along with the destruction of the forest, all types of wild animals, medicinal plants, and creepers will disappear. Camps should be organized to teach traditional forest and tribal knowledge from elders to the younger generation, transfer it to the next generation, and preserve it.
— Kumudini Chhanchan · Bhojpur, Sambalpur, Odisha
We have been living in this village for nearly 100 years. Our tribe originated in this surrounding area. The forest has undergone many changes; valuable trees, herbs, and animals have all disappeared. If we do not protect it, then within the next 20 years, the forest will be destroyed, and all types of wild animals, medicinal plants, and vines will vanish. Camps should be organized to teach the younger generation traditional forest and tribal knowledge from the elders, to pass it on to the next generation, and to preserve it.
— Kumudini Chhanchan · Bhojpur, Sambalpur, Odisha
I have been living in this village since my grandfather's time. Our tribe originated in this surrounding area. The forest has changed a lot; valuable trees, herbs, and animals have all disappeared. If we do not protect it, the forest will be destroyed within the next 20 years, and all kinds of wild animals, medicinal trees, and plants will vanish. The younger generation should be taught traditional forest and tribal knowledge from elders and transfer it to the next generation, and camps should be organized to preserve it.
— DASHARATH SINGH · Jamunkira, Sambalpur, Odisha
In today's era, forests are undergoing many kinds of changes and losses, such as trees being cut, herbs disappearing, animals becoming extinct, people migrating from one place to another, and insects.
— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand
In today's time, many changes are happening in the forests. Trees are being cut, medicinal plants are disappearing, animals are becoming extinct, and migration is happening very rapidly.
— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand
We have seen many changes in the forest nowadays, such as trees and plants being cut down, the forest being deforested, herbs disappearing, animals and birds going extinct, and the water level depleting.
— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand
In today's time, we have seen many significant changes in the forest, such as excessive deforestation, climate change, changing traditions, and people not following customs and rituals.
— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand
Due to the cutting of trees and plants in the village, various herbs and food items are becoming extinct. We can protect them.
— Mohan AHARI · Sarera, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Long live rural discussions. The forests that are present in our lives are depleting. We need to plant more trees, otherwise society will be destroyed.
— Jadumani Nial · Gandhinagar, Rayagada, Odisha
I see a lot of I see a lot of trees being cut down in the name of development and I think it is important to share and spread awareness about the importance of environment and how they are linked to our
— sophia akoijam · Imphal, Imphal West, Manipur
Forests are disappearing, livelihoods are being destroyed. Forests are also getting depleted, herbs are disappearing. It's not like it used to be.
— Chanda · Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh
Significant changes or losses are occurring in forests, such as trees and plants being cut down excessively, herbs disappearing, animals becoming extinct, and insects migrating from one place to another.
— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand
We have our tribal languages; people used to know them earlier. And after 20 years, so much forest is being destroyed, and in another 20 years, all those animals and birds will disappear.
— RINA BEHERA · Hemagiri, Sundargarh, Odisha
My name is Surendra Podra. I am from Gurumundi village, Katinga Gram Panchayat, Dani block, Kandhamal district. I want to highlight the environmental degradation of today. Our ancestors used to live in the forest, depending on roots, greens, and various other things. But... I express my desire to bring back that kind of environment.
— SUBASH SABHASUNDAR · Gajapati, Odisha
We went and within 20 years the forest trees will be cut very rapidly, due to which we will suffer losses and wild animals will also not be there at this time.
— bachcha lal · Shahganj, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh
Lots of trees are being cut down in the name of development and our forests are disappearing. If we do not spread awareness of sustainable development, then we will lose our forests and we will also lose our lungs.
— sophia akoijam · Imphal, Imphal West, Manipur
Today, significant changes are being observed in the forests of our region. Forests are being cut down, leading to climate change. Rain is occurring at irregular times. Agriculture is also being affected.
— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand
We feel that if we do not plant trees and protect them now, then within the next 20 years, everyone will experience these consequences.
— Ramadas Badanayak · Udulibeda, Malkangiri, Odisha
We have been living in this area for many years. What we see in our region is that the forest cover has also decreased. There are no animals now.
— sudhir gamanga · Gadiakhala, Ketalugurha, Rayagada
In olden times, many kinds of herbs were available in our village, but in the current situation, due to the cutting of this forest, some conservation efforts could not be made, which means for us in the coming time...
— Mohan AHARI · Sarera, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Our ancestors used to live, grow and maintain trees, and collect fruits and roots. Now, with all the trees gone, many conveniences are being lost. Let us all plant trees again.
— Bisendra Naik · Kasipur, Rayagada, Odisha
Our coastlines are in peril, as seen in the vanishing mangroves of Subarnarekha and Baitarani. This erosion has a direct human cost, with Chilika's communities now battling cyclones more than fishing struggles. To heal our land, we must shift our perspective: ecology, not humanity, must be the center of our universe. The solution is a united, innovative vision that combines community knowledge and technology to restore our fragile ecosystems, for in protecting nature, we protect our shared home.
— Pritam priyanshu Mishra · Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Khordha, Odisha
If we do nothing, then within twenty years, along with losing our dance and music, forests are also disappearing, and we might lose all of them.
— S Guruteli · Gandiaguda, Malkangiri, Odisha
My name is Bishnu Rohit. Village Rangaguda, Panchayat Bamunia, Block Jarimadi, District Kandhamal. I see that the current environment is very dire, as it is not raining at the right time because forests are being destroyed. Therefore, I request the government to build small check dams in every village so that we can get water for irrigation. It is a humble request for the government to pay attention to this.
— SUBASH SABHASUNDAR · Gajapati, Odisha
In the coming 20 years, there will be a significant shortage of water, forests, and land. Even languages will become extinct. Trees and plants will not remain. Animals and birds will also become extinct if they are not conserved.
— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand
Depletion of natural resources, trees are being cut down, ponds are getting filled up, the balance of nature is deteriorating.
— VEER SINGH SIJUI · Seraikela-Kharsawan, Jharkhand
We should protect our forests. Many living beings and animals live there. Trees have started to be cut down, so they should be saved.
— Mohan AHARI · Patiya, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Earlier, in our village's forest, we found many abundant herbs. But unfortunately, the roots of these herbs in the forest are being severely destroyed. So, we will try to keep them alive for this. I will go a bit.
— Devisingh Solanki · Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh
It seems that in a few years, the government will destroy the entire forest, and it feels as if the indigenous people have taken it upon themselves to save the environment.
— Kachala Choudhary
If we do not act now, in the coming 20 years, forests, languages, seeds, songs, and other things will be lost.
— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand
Given the critical situation that has developed, the extent of damage that has occurred, and the way people are progressing; if we do nothing about this, then in the coming days there will be no trees, no animals, and no herbal medicines will be found.
— gobardhan pangi
Currently, we are seeing that trees, animals, and herbs in the forest are going to be damaged.
— Premsila Naik
Long live rural discussions! I believe that while we are discussing tribal traditions and engaging in rural discussions, our forests are slowly being destroyed at a rapid pace.
— Jadumani Nial · Gandhinagar, Rayagada, Odisha
We all used to get forest products before, but now they are not available. Therefore, forests should be protected. It would be good if everyone remains aware.
— KusaPradhani · Tapurbuduni, Rayagada, Odisha
We must protect our water, forest, and land, or else, gradually, the forest department will have our forests cut down, which was our family's ancestral home.
— Ram Maravi · Mandla, Madhya Pradesh
My name is Isaac Sabar, village Zero Number, Panchayat Mandi Mandi, District Kandhamal. I feel that in the current situation, people used to use traditional forest products, which are forest-derived goods, in large quantities to sustain their livelihoods, but due to the lack of forests, they have disappeared. We want to restore the forests so that we can enjoy those forest products just like our ancestors used to.
— SUBASH SABHASUNDAR · Gajapati, Odisha
If cricket also builds on it, then our forests, whatever forests are in Jajpur, will gradually be destroyed, and after 40 years, our climate will completely harm human life.
— Mukunda Majhi · Udulibeda, Malkangiri, Odisha
If we do not make some effort, we will lose our traditional seeds, medicinal herbs, pure environment, air, etc.
— Kachala Choudhary
We believe that if we do nothing, songs, forests, languages, and seeds will be lost within the next 20 years.
— AbhiLL Ipsa
I get public opportunities. But due to today's modern age, unfortunately, water, land, and forests are all becoming extinct. Therefore, complete this work.
— KusaPradhani · Gandhinagar, Rayagada, Odisha
AI-synthesised pieces woven from many community voices on this theme. They may contain errors or interpretation — they're a reflection of the stories, not a record of fact.

In Sonbhadra, an elder reflects on the community's evolving traditions, from festive celebrations and unique tribal customs to environmental shifts and new livelihoods, holding onto the hope of preser

We must actively safeguard our local traditions, medicinal plants, and vital forest trees to ensure our heritage and well-being endure.

Faced with the loss of their natural forest, a community took action to plant a new one specifically for medicinal herbs.

The people of Udulibeda emphasize the vital role of traditional knowledge in cultivating local foods, stewarding the land, and ensuring their community's self-sufficiency for generations to come.
The voices in this theme were gathered by these organisations through their community reports.