Caring about wildlife is one thing and taking impactful initiatives to safeguard it from external interference is what makes a person a true nature lover. Miss Purnima Devi, a wildlife biologist from Assam and a project head of the Hargila Army, is an example of a nature enthusiast that has not only won the hearts of the village people from Assam but also of the whole world with her laurel-worthy stork conservation initiatives. Ms. Purnima Barman is affectionately known as Hargila Baideu (stork sister) by the regional communities of Assam state and was recently awarded the United Nation’s highest environmental honor in the entrepreneurial vision category.
How Purnima Burman is safeguarding the second-rarest species in the world?
Barman developed affection towards Stork when she was a child. And hence decided to work for the conservation of birds. As she grew up, she realized the population was fewer than 1200 mature storks which made her understand their conditions and thus kickstarted her passion to conserve these almost endangered species. It is at this very moment she planned a definite roadmap for the Hargila Army – An all-women conservation rural team for protecting the Greater adjustment stork from extinction.
What is the Hargila army and what is its aim?
The background for the Hargila army was built in the year 2007 by Purnima Devi Barman while she was still a Ph.D. scholar. Little did she know that her research on adjunct storks for her academics will turn into something this big.
Surprisingly, the passionate wildlife biologist put her academics on hold and decided to put all her efforts into keeping the birds alive. While finding out the reason behind the stork’s extinction, she realized that the attitude of the people needs to be changed.
The communities of Kamrup district believed that storks are nothing but an omen. However, she decided to change people’s perceptions with the right teachings and education on the subject matter. And to spread awareness, she needed more people hence laying the foundation of the Stork Sisters or Hargila army – A group of 400 enthusiastic women.
The members of the Hargila army realized that the Kamrup district is home to 140 nests, accounting for one of the best areas to yield results. Whether it is protecting and taking care of the birds falling from the nest or the newborns that need utmost love and support, the women of the Hargila army are in charge of the safety of the storks. Finally, the day came when Purnima Devi and the Hargila Army’s efforts proved fruitful with the number of storks nests increasing from 27 to 210 in 13 years.
The by-products of Mrs. Purnima’s wildlife initiatives
Besides creating awareness regarding the importance of storks and their habitats, the women’s army is working for the rehabilitation of the injured storks and meeting the forest officials to boost their group in different parts of the country.
The women in Hargila Army and nearby villages are also reaping some high economic benefits. Be it weaving yarn or looms or selling textiles decorated with Hargila motifs, Mrs. Purnima Devi provided the community women with all economical support. In this way, the wildlife biologist has spread awareness as well as provide financial independence to the women.
The Hargila army is still working with all its zest toward the conservation of the storks. Till now, it has planted more than 45000 saplings near stork habitat trees and is now adamant to plant 60000 saplings to encourage the livelihood of stork nesting areas. Additionally, the cleaning drive is in full swing near the river banks to make their habitats even better, cleaner and safer.
Other awards and achievements
Besides the recent award by the United Nations, Purnima Devi was awarded Nari Shakti Puraskar presented by the president Mr. Ramnath Kovind in 2017, the Whiteley award aka Green Oscar (2017), the Leadership award 2015, the Green Guru award in 2016 and FLO Women achiever award in 2016.
The Hargila army is an example of sheer hard work, dedication, and women empowerment. The patience and perseverance of Purnima Devi towards her goal not only gave life to the endangered species but also uplifted the community women economically. Recently, programs on ecology and the environment have been conducted to raise awareness among the children of the Kamrup district. Additionally, the Hargila learning center is soon to be opened with a museum so that the students can act as a guide for the local visitors.
Sustainable Development Goals – A way to a Green World
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