Indian Singing & Wildfire Prevention
- In eastern India, women in villages like Murgapahadi are taking an innovative approach to forest fire prevention.
- Forest officials in Odisha state are enlisting devotional song-and-dance troupes, known as sankirtan mandalis, to combat forest fires during periods of soaring temperatures.
- dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere, deputy conservationist of forests in Keonjhar district, noted the increasing difficulty in controlling these fires due to rising temperatures.
In Odisha, India, women are fighting forest fires with an unexpected weapon: song. Devotional groups are leading the charge, using conventional music to educate communities and prevent wildfires. This innovative approach directly tackles climate change and the pressing issue of migration, with some areas seeing a remarkable 20-30% drop in fires. Embracing cultural traditions,these women are transforming their villages through their musical awareness campaigns and are making a real impact on wildfire prevention,proving the power of local solutions to global challenges. for more on how communities are using innovative ways to combat wildfires, explore News Directory 3. Discover what’s next in this evolving story.
Women in india Fight Forest Fires with Song
Updated June 03, 2025
In eastern India, women in villages like Murgapahadi are taking an innovative approach to forest fire prevention. For years, thes women have managed farms and households while their husbands seek work in cities. Now, they are also educating their communities about the dangers of wildfires through song and dance.
Forest officials in Odisha state are enlisting devotional song-and-dance troupes, known as sankirtan mandalis, to combat forest fires during periods of soaring temperatures. this year, fires have already impacted more than 11,120 acres of forest in Odisha, a rise from approximately 9,884 acres in 2024. While officials are employing technology like AI cameras and satellite data, they are also leveraging the cultural appeal of song to discourage villagers from burning leaves, a practice that has led to uncontrollable wildfires.
dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere, deputy conservationist of forests in Keonjhar district, noted the increasing difficulty in controlling these fires due to rising temperatures. He enlisted 80 devotional groups earlier this year,recognizing the strength of cultural troupes and the deep religious sentiments in rural odisha. Dhamdhere said that using local languages in song makes it easier for people to connect with the message.
According to Dhamdhere, enlisting the sankirtan mandalis has led to a 20-30% reduction in fires in certain areas, including the ghatagaon forest range where Murgapahadi is located. These groups,traditionally composed of men,are now seeing increased participation from women.
Pramila Pradhan, who leads the troupe in Murgapahadi, explained that the women revived the tradition after many men migrated for work. Her troupe of 17, including nine women, now spreads awareness by singing, “Listen listen my dear sisters, brothers, don’t set fire to the forest. If the forest survives, we survive