Sangareddy NGO builds house for Odisha’s ‘Tree Man’

A Sangareddy-based NGO, Raghu Arikapudi Seva Trust, built a permanent house for Odisha’s ‘Tree Man’ Gunithram Jena, who planted over one lakh trees across 10 villages. Founder Arikapudi Raghu said he will add a kitchen and washroom soon

Sangareddy: Raghu Arikapudi Seva Trust (RAST), a Sangareddy-based NGO, has built a permanent house for Odisha’s ‘Tree Man’ Gunithram Jena (60), who has spent four decades planting over one lakh trees across 10 villages in Jajpur district.

A daily wager from Uasahi village, Jena had been living in a dilapidated hut with his wife and three daughters, using most of his income to buy saplings. After learning about his dedication, RAST founder Arikapudi Raghu visited the family in April, offered groceries, and promised to build a pucca house.

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With the help of Odisha engineer Manoranjan Mahapatra, the NGO constructed a two-room house named Prakruthi Nilayam at a cost of Rs 5 lakh. The housewarming ceremony was held recently. Raghu said he plans to add a kitchen and washroom soon to support Jena’s continued environmental efforts.