Defenders Of The Planet

We meet some green heroes in the Northeast who have dedicated their lives to conservation of nature and wildlife.

- Manjum Mahanta and Meeta Borah

Northeast has always been home to some of the rarest species of plants and wildlife, but the ever-growing human habitation across the region has started to endanger both over the years. With the emergence of issues like global warming, it has become pertinent to retain the green cover that the region is most known for. We look at some passionate conservationists who are leading the way with regards to conservation in the region.

Purnima Devi Barman

A wildlife biologist, Purnima Devi has been working for the last 10 years for conservation of the highly endangered greater adjutant stork. Popularly known as ‘Hargila Baidow’ in Assam, she has been awarded the President’s Award for her conservation work. She also received UNDP India Biodiversity Award 2016 from the United Nations, Royal Bank of Scotland RBS ‘Earth Hero Award’ under Save the Species category, Whitley Award also known as Green Oscar. Apart from this, she was also a nominee of 2018 Indianapolis Prize, out of 32 highly devoted conservationists.

As a young girl, Purnima once saw a tree owner ruthlessly cutting down a tree with a greater adjutant stork still nestling in its nest. The incident greatly saddened her and also ignited a spark within to save these gentle giants. After completing her masters, she decided to pursue a PhD in ‘breeding biology of the greater adjutant storks.’

She has been working to protect the breeding colony of the greater adjutant (Leptoptilosdubius) since 2008. ‘Due to habitat loss and poaching, it is today an endangered species. Globally only 1200 greater adjutants are left, and the population is declining.’ Her efforts have helped increase nests from 30 in 2008 to 171 in 2014. At present, the average nest number is 150, making this the largest breeding colony in the world.