Prime Minister, during Mann Ki Baat, praised Assam’s successful Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila) conservation initiative led by Dr Purnima Devi Barman and the community-driven Hargila Army, calling it an inspiring example of changing mindsets through awareness and public participation.

Key Highlights

• The Greater Adjutant Stork, locally known as Hargila, was once considered a bad omen in parts of Assam, leading to the destruction of nesting trees.
• Dr Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, launched a community-based conservation movement to protect the species.
• She mobilised thousands of rural women, who formed the Hargila Army to protect nesting sites, spread awareness, and challenge social superstitions.
• She created the Hargila Army in 2007, an all-female conservation group involving more than 20,000 women, dedicated to protecting the species and its habitat​.
  • The initiative has also helped local women gain financial independence by involving them in sustainable businesses such as making textiles with stork-themed embroidery​.
• Dr Barman’s unique approach to conservation—blending wildlife protection with women’s empowerment—has created a sustainable, community-driven movement. 
• The campaign transformed the bird from being viewed as inauspicious to becoming a symbol of community pride.
• Her work has not only saved an endangered species and officially moved its status to “near threatened” under the IUCN list, but also transformed lives.
• The initiative demonstrates the importance of community participation, scientific awareness, and women-led conservation in protecting endangered wildlife.

About the Hargila (Greater Adjutant Stork)

• Greater Adjutant Stork is one of the world’s rarest stork species.
• It is locally known as Hargila in Assam.
• Habitat: Wetlands, floodplains, marshes and tall trees near human settlements.
• Distribution: Mainly found in Assam and parts of Bihar in India, with small populations in Cambodia.
• Plays a vital ecological role as a scavenger, helping keep the environment clean by feeding on animal carcasses and organic waste.
• The species is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, after showing population recovery.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila):

1. It is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
2. It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
3. Assam supports one of the largest remaining breeding populations of this species.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Answer: (c)

One-Line Wrap

Assam’s Hargila conservation movement showcases how scientific awareness and community participation can successfully protect endangered wildlife while transforming social attitudes.