1. Dhenkanal
2. Hindol
3. Kamakhyanagar East
4. Kamakhyanagar West
5. Sadangi
6. Kapilash

Across these ranges, NYSASDRI has deployed six dedicated field teams comprising 18 professionals who work in close coordination with the Forest Department, Vana Suraksha Samitis (VSSs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and community stakeholders.

Each team is led by a Team Leader (specialized in Institutional Building) and two Development Officers (including a woman officer by default) with expertise in community development. All teams are based at FMU headquarters and operate within a decentralized structure under the direction of the Divisional and Field Management Units.

1. Community Mobilization and Institutional Development
   1. Reorganization and formation of VSSs, SHGs, and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs)
   2. Capacity building programs to enable VSSs and SHGs to manage forest resources and livelihood ventures sustainably
2. Sustainable Forest Management
   1. Implementation of afforestation, farm forestry, and biodiversity conservation programs
   2. Addressing human wildlife conflict through mitigation and awareness strategies
3. Livelihood Enhancement
   1. Year-round engagement of SHGs in income-generating activities like bamboo craft, mushroom farming, and agro based enterprises
   2. Business planning support and cluster-level producer group facilitation
4. Participatory Planning and Convergence
   1. Development of Micro Plans, Annual Plans, and Convergence Plans integrating efforts from PRIs, line departments, and private stakeholders
5. Monitoring and Knowledge Management
   1. Periodic assessments, documentation of best practices, and dissemination of learnings for replication and policy influence

The GO-NGO partnership model pioneered through OFSDP-I and scaled up in OFSDP-II has proven to be a path breaking success. It is now also the backbone of Odisha’s Ama Jangala Yojana, a state owned forestry development scheme. Through participatory processes and grassroots governance, communities are increasingly becoming stewards of their own forests and environment.

Project Highlights

• Stoves were distributed to four tribal households after a rigorous selection and orientation process.
• Beneficiaries reported better health outcomes, faster cooking times, and lower fuel consumption.
• Community members appreciated the portability, low emission, and safety of the stoves.

Despite some challenges such as sourcing specific firewood and limitations in cooking large meals, the initiative was a positive first step toward introducing clean cooking technologies in remote areas. The project also highlighted the need for developing local supply chains for sustainable stove fuels like bamboo and timber residues.

Changing the traditional way of cooking deeply rooted in generations of using forest firewood is never easy. Yet, through this initiative, the TLUD stoves have empowered communities to prepare the same meals using much less wood. This not only reduces pressure on nearby forests but also protects families from harmful indoor smoke exposure and forest injuries. By decreasing dependency on firewood and curbing the need for cutting trees, the project supports both environmental conservation and healthier homes. It is a small but meaningful shift toward a more sustainable and dignified way of life.

• Deforestation and its impacts
• Plastic waste reduction
• Water conservation
• Wildlife protection
• Climate change education

These outreach efforts aim to foster a deeper understanding among local communities, particularly children and youth, about their role in preserving the planet.

Download the Report of TLUD Stove Test Program (PDF)