Assam conservationist Purnima Devi Barman credits community efforts for Hargila conservation success

Wildlife biologist and conservationist Purnima Devi Barman has described the recognition of her conservation efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an acknowledgment of community-led environmental action and grassroots participation in wildlife protection.

Speaking on the conservation of the Greater Adjutant Stork, locally known as the Hargila, Barman said the initiative has been driven through close collaboration with local communities and women’s groups under the banner of the “Hargila Army”.

According to Barman, more than 20,000 women have joined the movement and pledged support towards protecting the bird species, which has historically faced neglect and social stigma.

Expressing gratitude over the Prime Minister’s mention of the initiative, she said the recognition represents the collective efforts of communities that have worked towards conserving biodiversity through awareness and participation.

Barman further noted that the recognition highlighted the importance of replacing misconceptions with scientific understanding and compassion-based conservation practices. She said the movement has focused not only on protecting the species but also on changing public attitudes towards the bird.

The Greater Adjutant Stork, often misunderstood because of its scavenging behaviour and previously regarded by some communities as a bad omen, has become the centre of a broader conservation effort aimed at promoting coexistence and ecological responsibility.

Barman appealed to people to adopt a responsible approach towards all species and emphasised the need to protect wildlife biodiversity, particularly species that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

The Hargila conservation initiative has emerged as a notable example of community participation in wildlife protection and social engagement in environmental conservation.