When the Forest Sparks a Fire, the Village Responds
Located near the forests of Bangriposi block in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, Krishnapur is a tribal village where homes are often built with mud walls and thatched roofs—simple, natural, and deeply connected to the local way of life.
But with this closeness to nature comes vulnerability. Forest fires, often triggered during dry months, are a recurring threat here.
One such day, Govinda Nanda and his wife had stepped out for work. A spark turned into flames, and by the time neighbours alerted them and firefighters arrived, their house was reduced to ashes. Clothes, utensils, essentials—everything lost.
Yet, what remained was the solidarity of the village.
More Than Relief — Material as a Tool for Rebuilding
When the Goonj team reached Krishnapur, it wasn’t with a one-size-fits-all kit—it was with urgently required essentials:
- Tarpaulin sheets for temporary shelter
- Clothes and footwear for daily comfort
- Mosquito nets to restore safe sleep
- Basic household materials to reclaim routine
What followed wasn’t just a delivery—it was a co-created act. Villagers and the Goonj team worked together to build a temporary shelter on the same day.
Govinda and his family now had a space to regroup, reflect, and begin the process of recovery.
Goonj team and villagers building a temporary shelter
This isn’t just material—it’s stability.
A local community elder shared:
“At this time, these belongings gave us relief. Everything felt like a new lifeline—from shelter to food.”
For Govinda’s family, these weren’t “relief items.” They were tools to rebuild with dignity, to stay rooted in their village rather than be displaced, and to regain control of their own recovery.
From Loss to Local Leadership
Krishnapur’s story is not just about a fire. It’s about how a village came together. It’s about how material, when channelled with care, becomes a stepping stone—not charity, but a bridge to self-led rebuilding.
This is how Goonj works—walking with people, listening to what they reqired, and empowering them with what makes sense.
Final Reflection
In Krishnapur, the forest fire took much—but it couldn’t take away the people’s resolve.
With a little space, a little cloth, and a lot of shared effort, they began again. Not as victims but as individuals reclaiming their lives—step by step, with dignity.
Govinda Nanda and family outside their temporary shelter
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
