Setting an example of co-existing with nature and its flora and fauna, Odisha’s Govindpur village is leading the way. Its residents have declared it as a “Birds Village” – Odisha’s first — resolving to protect the avian population that comes to the Hirakud reservoir during migration and for breeding.

The village is situated near Hirakud Lake in Bargarh district and the locals here have pledged to keep this area free of pollution and the Hirakud Wildlife Division is helping them in this task.

Lending a helping hand in this initiative, the Forest Department has cleared vegetation from more than 100 kilometres of shoreline of Hirakud and Debrigarh Sanctuary. This will help in movement of wildlife, nesting of birds and create ample grasslands and meadows.

The walls of the houses in the village will be adorned with colourful paintings of birds like moorhen, skimmer and redcrested pochard while the residents will keep the area spick and span and to help in that effort, Hirakud Division has put up several dustbins in the area. They will also keep the area free of predators to provide a safe haven for the birds.

Villagers will be provided printed material and books on birds and the Hirakud Lake to make them familiar with the ecology of the place.

More than two lakh birds belonging to 100 different species visit this lake which is spread over an area of 746 sq. km.

Talking to New Indian Express, Divisional Forest Officer, Anshu Pragyan Das said: “The local community will be given the responsibility of keeping the habitat clean and suitable for the flying guests besides making visitors aware of the migratory birds coming here.”

Besides Govindpur, residents of two adjoining villages – Tamdei and Ramkhol – have come forward to work for conservation of birds.

Hirakud Lake was declared as a Ramsar site in 2022 and is expected to draw a large number of tourists including photographers.