Meet Deepa Nayak, ‘Queen Of Birds’ Of Odisha’s Malkangiri

Malkangiri: With thatched houses and green cover disappearing for human activities, the common birds like sparrows and Baya have become a rare sight. A young girl of a slum in the town has showed the way not only how to protect these birds but also cohabit with them in modern times.

Deepa Rani Nayak, staying in Tamili Camp slum of the town, has been a bird-lover since her childhood. Guided by her father, who was also a bird-lover, she learnt how to take care of the little creatures.

Deepa has set up several nests for the birds in her house. She keeps food for them in each nest. She has arranged water tubs so that the birds can take bath. She also takes the birds to the veterinary hospital for treatment when they fall ill or get injured.

When Deepa sees these birds playing and chirping everyday, it gives a different kind of happiness to her and for her love towards them, the locals call her ‘Pakhi Rani’ (Queen Of Birds).

“It is now rare to see trees near the houses. Birds like sparrows and Baya weavers are not getting space to build their nests. That is why they have been disappearing,” said 25-year-old Deepa.

“When I was just 15 years, I came to know from a news in TV that birds like sparrows and Baya are on verge of extinction. Since then, I have been trying to protect them from getting extinct. I have learned to save nature, birds and animals from my father. He was also taking care of birds and animals. My mother also supports me in this work,” said Deepa.

“Our neighbours and local people love Deepa’s work. Different varieties of birds are coming to their nests set up by her. In her absence, I take care of them,” said Ritanjali Nayak, Deepa’s mother.

Appreciating Deepa’s contribution towards conservation of birds, the environmentalists and bird lovers send bird houses to her from Ganjam, Gujarat and other places.

Inspired by her, many children of the village have started taking caring of the birds.

“If everybody thinks about the condition of these birds and takes care of them, their number will definitely increase even in urban areas,” Deepa said.

“Deepa’s efforts to save sparrows is really praiseworthy. We help her by providing nests and creating awareness among the people,” said Ramakrushna Choudhury, an environmentalist.