GUWAHATI: Asking people to refrain from bursting crackers this Diwali to save Greater Adjutant Storks, members of Hargila Army — a group of women — have started a massive campaign in three villages of Assam’s Kamrup district. The district is the largest breeding colony of the bird.
“Diwali is a festival of lights…please don’t burst crackers as it causes great harm to Greater Adjutant Storks and other birds and animals. We request you to celebrate the festival of light in a sensible way,” a woman in her mid 30s announced while moving in an e-rickshaw during the campaign.
Purnima Devi Barman, who is a Green Oscar winning conservationist, said the change that is visible is all because of the women of these villaes. “Now, people have understood the importance of conservation of Greater Adjutant Storks. Like other conservation works, they are appealing to the people to not burst crackers during Diwali so that the sounds don’t hamper their breeding,” Barman told
TOI
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According to the latest survey, there are less than 1,200 Greater Adjutant Storks in the world and 80% of those are found in Assam. “Birds and animals also have a right to live. We have to be responsible so that these creatures don’t become extinct,” Barman, who works for an NGO called Aaranyak, added.
(With input from: Rokibuz Zaman)