Khandapara: There was a time when date and palm groves, waving gently in the breeze, providing shade and delectable fruit would welcome you when you enter Kantilo and other areas of Nayagarh district.
Moreover, the chirpy sounds of weaver birds in their nests in the palm and date trees would make the early mornings and sunset even more beautiful. However, with the passage of time, this has become a thing of the past.
Due to expansion works, date and palm trees are being chopped off, indirectly affecting the number of weaver birds. No steps are being taken to save the birds neither by the government nor any NGOs.
In such a scenario, Antaryami Sahu, a retired teacher of Krushnaswarpatna village under Kantilo panchayat of Khandapara block in this district, has taken a vow to protect the weaver birds, palm and date trees. He is travelling from village to village and spreading awareness on the adverse impact of the fast dying trees and steps to save it.
Not for one or two years, he has been doing this for years now. Sahu is an environmentalist and nature lover from his childhood.
“Weaver bird is a favourite of all. We have grown up hearing different songs related to ‘Bai Chadhei’. I used to climb date and palm trees during my teenage. However, I noticed that the weaver birds were declining with time due to chopping of date and palm trees. So, I started the awareness programme,” he says when asked about his noble deed.
Despite facing criticism due to his old-age, he continues his efforts for his love for weaver birds and greenery. “Everyone loves to eat date and all love the weaver birds. But, when it comes to saving them, no one is bothered. It is the duty of everyone to do their part,” he says.
He himself grows date and palm trees and looks after them not only in his village, but also in neighbour villages too. Sahu has till now planted saplings near ponds, roads, open fields, government lands, schools and temple premises.
After initial hiccups, villagers have also started supporting him for his good cause. Sahu urged everyone to join him in planting date and palm trees and save the weaver birds which will make the world a better place.
PNN
