Rourkela: Debananda Behera, a native of Tikia village under Bahalda block in Mayurbhanj district, is the first person the villagers would often call whenever they spot a snake in their locality.
Behera, a retired employee of the fire department at Rourkela Steel Plant, has so far caught and released over a thousand snakes in their natural habitats.
Behera has a special liking for snakes since childhood. After his retirement, Behera is happy dedicating his time for catching snakes and helping people.
Whenever he receives a call for help, he reaches the spot immediately. Behera, who won’t take any money from the people for his services, catches snakes using his own tricks.
He consults the Forest Department officials before releasing the reptiles into their natural habitats. Behera, who is an active member of Animal Rescue and Maintenance Youths, a non-profit organisation, has many awards and accolades to his credit.
He had been honoured with awards such as Biju Patnaik Prakruti Premi Puraskar, Prakruti Bandhu Puraskar, Dhananjaya Mohanty Smruti Puraskar and Nehru Puraskar.
PNN
