Nabarangpur,July 21 [UDN}: Tapan Bisoi of Nabarangpur has earned widespread appreciation for planting more than 150 banyan trees. He collects banyan saplings from different places, plants them himself, and distributes them to others. Alongside tree plantation, he has been actively spreading awareness about the importance of protecting nature for future generations.
The oxygen shortage and related deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic deeply affected Tapan. Determined to prevent such tragedies in the future, he resolved to plant banyan trees, which are known for their high oxygen-producing capacity. Earlier, he had planted many other trees as well. At present, he focuses on planting large oxygen-producing trees such as banyan, peepal, neem, and mango, along with palm trees to help reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
He plants trees in vacant lands, around ponds, at road junctions, and in cremation grounds. His dedicated efforts have earned him the identity of a “Tree Man.”
Born in Baganaguda village of Nabarangpur district, Tapan was deeply disturbed by the destruction of forests caused by shifting cultivation, rapid urbanisation, and development projects. Motivated by this concern, he began working towards environmental conservation.
With the support of friends and relatives, he has undertaken plantation drives in villages such as Baganaguda, Bhimaguda, Nuaguda, Bharanpur, Kukudabai, Bijraguda, and Rangamatiguda under Tentulikhunti, Nandahandi, and Nabarangpur blocks, making sustained efforts to create greener surroundings.
Despite receiving no government assistance for these initiatives, Tapan continues his plantation work, setting an inspiring example for future generations. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Prakruti Bandhu award from the Forest Department in 2012–13 and 2025–26, while the voluntary organisation led by him was honoured with the Prakruti Mitra award in 2020.
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