These are images from Mangalajodi – Orissa. Its a small fishing village along the Chilka Lake. Here I present images of coexistence between fisherman and birdlife. Its a very positive story of coexistence.
As the boat gently cruses through the marshes and reeds of the wetlands of Mangalajodi we come across stilts, godwits, lapwings, and moorhens. Their squeaks and grunts blend with the soft gurgle of water as the boat moves slowly. Nature’s harmonious symphony is sweet music with the reeds and water lilies creating a soothing sense of place.
Located in the northeastern fringe of Chilka lake in Orissa, this little hamlet rich are rich in wetlands. Mangalajodi is one of the largest of the 132 villages located on the banks of Chilka lake. The weltland has been a winter home for migratory birds for as far back as they can remember. The birds arrive by the middle of October and continue to early March. The vegetation along the channels provide food and shelter to the waterfowls and raptors who feed on the smaller birds and fish.
Nearly 150 species of migratory birds and about 40 resident bird inhabit the wetland. Mangalajodi once was a bird poacher’s den until 20 years back. Most of the villagers were engaged in poaching, usually poisoning and shooting. The birds were sold for meat in the local dhabas. Once the birds left, after the migratory season they would get back to their usual routine of fishing.
In the year 1997, Mr.Nanda Kishore Bhujabal a local visionary form the nearby village Tangi realised the importance of conservation and stop the killing of birds can only be brought about was to take villagers into confidence and provide them with alternative revenue. Tourism was the answer. After a yearlong counselling and efforts, he managed to make then see the senselessness and cruelty in the activity of poaching.
Gradually the poachers were converted to protectors of the ecosystem. They were also provided with training and education about migrating avian fauna so they could become guides for tourist and bird enthusiasts. Once poachers are now protectors of the wetlands.
The series is about this harmonious co-existence of human and avian fauna. How the altered landscape becomes part of the bird life. Abundance of fish that come into the lake after the monsoon provide enough catch for the fishermen folk and food for the migratory and resident birds. The village fishermen still use early fishing methods and not much mechanisation has been brought except for motorised boats.
