SIVASAGAR, ASSAM:
For the last 12 years, a unique and distinctive bird species has migrated to the village of 'Dhanekhowa' in the Dikhoumukh region of Assam's Sivasagar district.
Over the years, the locals of the village have worked diligently to conserve the bird species, treating them as if they were family members. Over three thousand birds of the species known as the 'Asian Openbill Stork' migrate through the hamlet in a single year.
People have dubbed the settlement as Samukbhanga Colony over the years which is located in Dikhoumukh, Sivasagar district, beside the Dikhou river.
Every year in early June, a rare type of bird known as the Asian Openbill, as explained by Bird Researcher Dipanjali Gohain, visits this Dhanekhowa village in Dikhoumukh.
After spending six months in the Dhanekhowa village, this rare migratory bird travels to a new location.
The Asian Openbill Stork was formerly targeted by hunters, but locals in the area have been doing everything they can to protect the migratory bird, and as a result, the bird has grown fond of the village and spends half a year there.
Locals have also stated that neither the government nor forest department personnel have paid attention to this problem and have provided no reaction.
The fact that such a majestic species has chosen Assam as its temporary habitat should serve as a matter of delight for all bird lovers and nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The concerned authorities should take action to take note of this and aid the inhabitants of the village in ensuring that the rare bird species is adequately safeguarded and conserved in order to maintain the region's bio-diversity in balance.
It is critical for the government to intervene immediately to solve this issue. The sooner the Dhanekhowa village is designated as a protected area for the uncommon migratory bird, the more the Asian Openbill Stork bird species will thrive in the area ensuring greater bio-diversity.
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