Bhubaneswar: Over a period of last two decades, a group of poachers at Mangaljodi village along Chilika lake, has become a protector of birds, inspiring others in their neighbourhood. They have even formed a bird protection committee which the forest department is banking on to protect birds flocking to Chilika.
Around 15 years back, Mangalajodi village on the northern edge of Chilka, some 70 km from state capital Bhubaneswar, was one of bird catchers. Virtually all species were trapped or shot, for eating or selling. It was a lucrative business for some villagers who earned up to Rs 30,000 a month by selling birds.
Killing birds is an ancient ritual in Chilika. Nets, traps and guns all have been used. A local NGO, noticed the decline of birds and tried to reform the villagers through cultural and ethical arguments.
They have formed a bird protection committee in an effort to completely eliminate bird poaching in Chilika, while some ex-hunters have become diehard conservationists.
In 2007, the state government awarded the Biju Pattnaik Award for Wildlife Conservation to the Samiti. The Chilika Development Authority recognised their efforts by adopting direct action programmes with the Samiti to accelerate change.
“We were hunters, some 20 years back. Then under the guidance of Nand Kishore Bhujabal we transformed. Our Samiti members and forest officials jointly conduct patrolling in and around Chilika. We get poachers caught,” the committee members said.
“Some of the youths of the committee have been trained as guide to promote ecotourism and earn a livelihood. Besides, they have been engaged as drivers in power boats for patrolling in Chilika,” they added.
The Chilika Development Authority has also funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre. Remarkably, being inspired by the committee, some nearby villagers have decided to form committees to be bird protectors and lead respectable life.
With hundreds of thousands of foreign avians flocking every winter season, the forest department has made elaborate arrangements for their protection. This winter more than 11 lakh birds belonging to 183 species, including 10.93 lakh migratory ones visited the lake.
Winged guests from far off places including the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, remote parts of Russia, central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas descend on Chilka every winter for feeding and roosting.
These birds travel great distances, possibly up to 12,000 km, to reach the lagoon. It is a freshwater zone with marshes, reed beds, and rich birdlife. They start their homeward journey with the onset of summer.
Needless to say, these once-upon-a-time poachers have turned into guardian angels for the winged guests!
