The small agricultural village of Parulia is
tucked away in the northwest corner of West Bengal in the 'red-soil' country
of Birbhum district. It is just like any other impoverished part of the Chhota
Nagpur Plateau - a land where marginal existence is eked out with the aid of
natural water sources. The villagers are a mix of tribals and other local
inhabitants who depend on agriculture for their existence. In short, Parulia
is a just another of the myriad of little villages spread out over the eastern
Indian countryside and has no features which make it stand out - save an
important one, it gives us hope!
Parulia Jheel
About 10 years ago the local Member of the
Legislative Assembly, who incidentally hails from Parulia, took the initiative
to improve the conditions of his village. Absence and presence of water in
these dry barren areas is often the difference between survival and acute
poverty. In an effort to provide a permanent source of water, funding was made
available to excavate a deep pond about 170 meters across in one side of the
village. The pond would hold rain water which could be used to irrigate the
winter Rabi crop.
Domestic ducks share Parulia Jheel with the
Greylags
A year after the pond filled up a few migratory
Greylag Geese (Anser anser) were found to be using the waterbody as a
wintering place. They mixed with the local ducks and were of curiosity value
to the villagers. The next year more returned, and within 3-4 years the little
tank was teeming with over 700-800 greylags who spent their entire winter
without disturbance at this open waterbody amidst the constant activity of the
residents of Parulia.
Such a sight may not be uncommon in some parts
of India where tolerance towards living creatures is common and where taking
life is considered a sin. However, even in such places there is often a
selfish indifference towards others who share a common area and it is unlikely
that the geese would have found peace in a small and hemmed in location like
Parulia tank. But the miracle of Parulia is way, way, beyond the religious or
cultural - it can only be seen in its true perspective when we consider that
all in Parulia would consider the birds a priceless source of food. A free
meal for the undernourished. And some members of the village are tribals -
people who have always depended on hunting as a way of life and continue to do
so. For them to be protectors without reward or recognition is more than a
miracle. And it is not even education that encourages them to protect what is
always seen as a meal, because very few have formal education in Parulia. So,
perhaps it is enlightenment!
Agricultural activity is the mainstay of
Parulia
Parulia is a true example of grassroots
conservation. A proof that conservation is way beyond some forest guards doing
their duty or some highly educated people making their passion and presence
felt. " The birds come here every winter. We love them." is what a
villager was quoted as saying when bird-flu hit the area in 2008 and culling
was considered a preventive option. No one touched the greylags of Parulia
that year because no one dared. If you visit Parulia on a sun-draped winter
morning, like I did, you would know why. There is pride and joy in the people
of Parulia. And there is love. And this is why Parulia is a true conservation
story. A story that carries with it the timeless message of coexistence and
love for every living creature ~ a message of HOPE!
References and sources:
1.
Birbhum District - Wikipedia
2.
Telegraph story on bird-flu in Parulia;
January 19 , 2008
