Baijal Sagar (Orissa), Aug 31 : The migratory birds coming into the country have found a safe haven in Orissa’s Baijal Sagar village, which surrounded by lush green forests provide an ideal habitat for these birds.

The villagers act as ideal hosts to the visiting birds, who arrive during the monsoon season, as they protect and provide a safe shelter to these winged beauties.

“No-no, nobody hurts these birds. No one kills them. They come here, as they feel safe here. Why should we kill them? They have never harmed us in any form as such no one dares to hurt them,” said Sambar Majhi, a villager.

The birds come here in at the advent of sowing season and stay here for 6-7 months. During this period they lay eggs, hatch the off-springs and once their young ones are ready to fly, return to their native countries.

In a state where cases of poaching are quite common and the migratory birds are often killed for their flesh, the instance of villagers turning protectors has been much appreciated by the forest officials.

“People are very cooperative. They are very much interested in protection of wildlife. With their help, birds are not being hunted. There are no instances of hunting,” said R K Sahu, Divisional Forest Officer of Bolangir Range.

Every year, nearly a million birds from upper regions of Asia, Europe and the Far East visit Orissa just prior to the winter and nestle as well as breed here till the season is over. (ANI)