Assam's 20,000-Woman Hargila Army Turns Reviled Stork Into Conservation Success

Wildlife conservationist Purnima Devi Barman has built a 20,000-member women's collective in Assam called the Hargila Army, dedicated to protecting the greater adjutant stork. The large wading bird was historically viewed as a bad omen by local communities, making conservation efforts particularly challenging. Through sustained grassroots work, the group has managed to reverse public perception, transforming the stork into a regional symbol of pride. Beyond wildlife protection, the initiative has also created income-generating opportunities for its women members, linking conservation with economic empowerment.