Chronicles of Khichan
The collection of pictures are a part of a personal project which I had done back in January this year (2020) on a small village known as Khichan. Located in Rajasthan, in the midst of Thar desert, this lesser-known village sets up an example of a human-animal relationship like not usually seen.
Each year Demoiselle cranes travel across 4000 km from Mongolia(which is also their breeding land) and cross the mighty Himalayas on their way to spend their winters here in Khichan. August- March, this village is transformed by their arrival. The recent records show almost 20000 cranes visiting now but it was not the same few years back.
In the winters of 1970s, there were only 100-150 cranes visiting this place. Thanks to the efforts of Mr Ratanlal Maloo the number has kept on increasing since then. He also reserved a special place for feeding the birds also known as 'Chugga Garh' where the birds are safe from the attack of local dogs. Now, Mr Sevaram Ji takes care of the place. Each morning after the sun rises these birds come to the Chugga Garh to fill their stomach with seeds and then spend the rest of the day eating pebbles beside the ponds present near the village.
A small and selfless deed can transform even the toughest of hearts, in this case, transformed a tiny village into a great migration zone and on the world map. In 1970s, Mr. Maloo, who was only assigned the job of feeding the pigeons, would not have thought his simple kindness and extra effort would create a winter home for thousands of birds. Mr. Sevaram Ji with his whole family now continues to live on his legacy and ensures a pleasant stay for these birds from August to March every year. Every day is a busy day for Mr Sevaram as many birds may need his immediate attention whether from the attack of local dogs or from the high voltage wires or from diseases like food poisoning. He ensures every bird is safe and sound.
We as a species living on Earth need more alliances like these now more than ever. As we face deadly catastrophes like climatic change, shortage of water, extinction of species, various kind of pollution, etc. These birds have become a part not only of local tales and metaphor but also a part of the ecosystem. We as the dominant species on this Earth need such alliance otherwise there will be no ecosystem left to endure.
