Assam: Moran's Bharat Bora creates safe sanctuary for endangered hornbills

What began as a personal passion nearly three decades ago has transformed a village in Assam's Moran into a safe haven for birds, particularly the endangered hornbill. Bharat Bora, a resident of Teporchali Bam village, has spent the last 28 years rescuing, treating and rehabilitating injured birds, earning widespread recognition for his unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation.

Whenever he receives information about an injured bird, Bora personally rushes to the location, rescues it and bears the entire cost of its treatment. Over the years, he has provided medical care to more than a hundred birds, including hornbills, owls and several other species, before releasing them back into the wild after recovery.

His dedication has also earned the trust of the Forest Department. Officials of the Khowang Regional Forest Office regularly hand over rescued injured birds to him for treatment. Most recently, Bora has been caring for two injured hornbills entrusted to him by the department.

Bora's home has become a popular destination for bird lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists from across India and abroad, who visit to witness his conservation efforts and the rescued birds under his care.

Supported by a group of local youths, Bora has also helped create a safe habitat for the endangered hornbill in the area. As a result, Teporchali Bam village has gradually become known as the "Hornbill Village", symbolising the community's collective effort to protect one of Northeast India's most iconic bird species.