UDAIPUR: About fifty kilometres from Udaipur, this village in Vallabhnagar block of the district sets an example of how birds and humans can co-exist in complete harmony. Menar village is not a reserved bird area, but avian community freely lives and co-exist with the locals. Two water bodies in the surrounding areas, too, one each falling in Chittorgarh and Pratapgarh districts, have become homes for dozens of species of both migratory and resident birds. More than 35 species of resident and 50 varieties of terrestrial birds can be spotted here.:The unique thing about Menar villagers is that they are extreme bird lovers and they call themselves 'Pakshi Mitras'. Youths, kids and elderly people are so enthusiastic about conservation of these birds that they have made teams to guard the water bodies and prevent poaching or fishing here.Due to a wide variety of rare birds including Great crested grebe (water birds that breed in Himalayas) this place attracts lot of tourists and bird watchers every year. Some of the star migratory birds that arrive here are Demoiselle Cranes, Canary Flycatcher, European roller, Rosy Pelican, Pied Avocet, Sandpiper, Painted Stork, Flamingo, Bareheaded Geese, Spot Bill Duck, Blackheaded Ibis, Mallard Common Teal, Common Pochard, Pin Tail, Shoveller, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Brahmini Ducks, Coots etc. Of these Bareheaded Geese, Coots, Demoiselle Cranes and Brahmini Ducks arrive from Tibetan plateau, whereas others come from the far end of Asian continent and Europe."Villagers are protective not only about birds in Menar but also in Badwai, that is 80 kms away from Udaipur on Pratapgarh road. Similarly, the Kishan Kareri talab, situated in Dungla block of Chittorgarh attracts a large number of birds during the winters and the residents are passionate about conservation," says Vinay Dave , a bird enthusiast active for more than a decade in the area.The 'Pakshi Mitras' have been imparted training on bird behaviour by experts of the forest department. "Three teams of 5members each have been assigned the task of conservation at these water bodies. The 'akshi Mitras' have been provided with binoculars to keep a watch on birds and any possible threat to their existence, the team members take morning and evening rounds in their respective areas and report if they find any prohibited activity," Dave said.The villagers do not use the water from these lakes and ponds for irrigation purposes so that the water level remains consistent throughout the year. Fishing is not permitted here so that the birds can have enough food to live, says Pradeep Sukhwal another expert. To keep the ecosystem clean, the villagers conduct frequently do 'shramdaan' to get rid of the water hyacinth and other harmful weeds from the water."The efforts to conserve these birds have been fruitful and could be taken as a role model to replicate in other areas. The village does not just offer a good bird watching experience but also teaches you a new take on human-bird relationship," says Rahul Bhatnagar , Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife).

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