Bolangir, May 27: While working as a daily wage labourer barely helps him earn enough for survival, Bikiji Nag has dedicated his life to protecting birds and preserving nature. Over the last 10 years, the resident of Shishkela village under Saintala block in Bolangir district has installed nearly 5,000 clay nests for birds, earning admiration for his extraordinary efforts.
Bikiji developed an interest in bird conservation while studying in college. In 2010, he built his first bird nest at his home. Though family members initially dismissed it as unnecessary work and urged him to focus on earning a livelihood, he remained determined.
Currently employed as a daily wage worker in the electrical section of the ordnance factory at Badmal in Bolangir district, Bikiji had started his conservation mission when he earned only Rs 200 a day. Disturbed by the declining bird population due to lack of food, water and shelter, he decided to act on his own.
He first approached a local potter from Ghunsar village to make clay nests. These nests were then installed in isolated areas along with water containers nearby. Gradually, birds visiting the places for water started using the nests as shelters. Encouraged by the success, Bikiji continued expanding his initiative year after year.
Over time, he began installing nests in villages, forests and residential areas across the region. Despite earning only around Rs 400 a day now, he still spends a portion of his wages on bird conservation activities.
Inspired by his dedication, several youths joined him in 2017. Volunteers including Rakesh Sahu, Soumyaranjan Sahu, Tikeram Sahu, Akash Sahu, Lingaraj Sahu, Tuna Sahu and Krishna Sahu have been supporting the mission without publicity or government assistance.
The group installs nests in forests, villages, hills and urban areas before continuously monitoring and protecting them. Their sole objective is to ensure birds survive and thrive.
Their efforts have drawn praise from the Forest Department and several private organisations. The group is now raising more funds to prepare additional nests and water pots for birds.
Most members of the group are neither highly educated nor financially stable. Some are contractual workers while others are daily labourers. However, they strongly believe that protecting birds is essential for maintaining ecological balance and the food chain.
Due to their sustained efforts, areas once devoid of birds are now witnessing the return of several species including sparrows, tailorbirds, flowerpeckers and yellow-throated birds. Initially, the group prepared clay nests costing around Rs 30 each and installed them at places such as the Saintala Range Office, local police station, Titilagarh Range Office, block office and Kumuda Hill.
As bird populations gradually increased, they expanded the initiative to Kumuda Hill Park, Saintala, Tendipali, Shishkela, Ghunsar, Belgaon and even the DFO office in Bolangir.
For their remarkable contribution to wildlife conservation, Bikiji and his group have received several honours, including the Sub-Divisional Wildlife Week Award, Prakriti Bandhu Award and the Biju Patnaik Wildlife Award.
Apart from building nests, the group also places water pots for sparrows and other birds every summer from April to July to help them survive the intense heatwave conditions.
