Kamakhyanagar: Though it seems unbelievable, hundreds of grey crane birds, locally known as ‘Gendalia,’ flock from Siberia to Odisha, not to the renowned bird sanctuary at Chilka, but to a village in Dhenkanal district.
The Gendalia bird, once abundant in villages and thickets, has become rare due to environmental imbalance and loss of biodiversity. However, some areas in Odisha still attract these rare birds from distant Siberia.
Gadapalasuni village in Kankadahada block of Dhenkanal district is one such place, where a large number of grey cranes congregate for about five months every year. Currently, thousands of these rare birds have migrated from Siberia and made their nests in a mango orchard near the village’s Shiva temple and a huge tamarind tree at the outskirts of the village. The cacophony of the cranes resonates throughout the environment.
Interestingly, the Gendalia has a deep connection with traditional farming in Odisha. The arrival of these birds signals the start of the farming season, and they play a crucial role in protecting the fields by consuming harmful insects and weeds. The villagers have come to rely on the Gendalia’s arrival as a harbinger of the farming season, and they begin their agricultural work soon after the birds’ arrival.
For years, the Gendalia birds have been migrating to this village, staying for about five months, breeding, and then returning to their natural habitats.
The villagers have taken it upon themselves to protect these birds from hunters and have even imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 on anyone found hunting the Gendalia. This conservation effort has ensured the birds’ safety, allowing them to thrive and return to their habitats.
The deep bond between the farmers and the birds has become an inspiration for others. The villagers’ love for the Gendalia has created a haven for these rare birds, and the village atmosphere is filled with their distinctive calls.
