Barren Land Transformed Through MGNREGA, Green Cover Becomes a Source of Rural Livelihood in Tamnar

Raipur, January 2026 : The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) is no longer limited to providing wage employment alone, but is steadily emerging as a strong instrument for environmental conservation and self-reliant livelihoods in rural areas. In Gram Panchayat Bijna, under the Tamnar development block of Raigarh district, plantation work carried out under MGNREGA has transformed barren land into lush greenery, writing a new success story of positive change in the lives of villagers.

The objective of this sanctioned project was to generate local employment for rural residents, strengthen ecological balance, and develop sustainable sources of income. Under the project, plantation work was successfully implemented by beneficiary Kasturi/Chhadan, associated with a self-help group. The project was undertaken at a total cost of ₹1.70 lakh, comprising ₹1.18 lakh towards wages and ₹0.52 lakh towards material costs. The work commenced on July 31, 2020, and was completed on August 31, 2022. During this period, a total of 707 person-days of employment were generated, providing continuous work opportunities to several unskilled workers in the village. Maintenance of the plantation has been carried out continuously for the past three years under the scheme.

Despite being located in an industrial area, this initiative in Gram Panchayat Bijna has not only rejuvenated barren land but has also contributed significantly to environmental conservation through increased green cover. Land that was once unproductive has now been transformed with saplings that are gradually becoming a symbol of the village, while also enhancing environmental awareness among residents. After the project was approved, the Gram Panchayat ensured effective implementation under the guidance of a technical assistant.

Beneficiary Kasturi, through her self-help group, played an active role in plantation activities and also spread awareness among other villagers about the benefits of the initiative. According to her, after learning about the MGNREGA scheme, she approached the Sarpanch, Secretary, and Gram Rozgar Sahayak. With the support of officials from Janpad Panchayat Tamnar, the work was carried out smoothly. Technical training related to the plantation and protection of around 200 saplings has further strengthened hopes of developing sustainable income sources in the future.

Through MGNREGA, villagers are not only receiving dignified employment but are also contributing to environmental protection and moving steadily towards self-reliance, demonstrating how the scheme can bring holistic transformation to rural areas.