Boudh: Nilambar Khamari might be a school teacher but his dedicated efforts in conservation of environment have made him an inspiration for many. Apart from teaching in Kundipadar UP School, Khamari spends time for the safety and protection of trees and birds especially the grey herons and bats.
With his immense love for nature and birds, Khamari has created a safe environment at Baradala village under Manamunda block of the district which has now become a centre of attraction for tourists and nature lovers.
Sources said that due to extensive poaching, there were only 300 herons in the area prior to Khamari's arrival. Khamari protested poaching of the birds and created awareness among the villagers about the safety of birds. Now thanks to his enthusiastic efforts, the population of grey herons has touched 5000.
Not only herons, Khamari is also continuously working for the safety of bats in Rasabiharipur.
“By profession I am a teacher, however, I love protecting environment and birds. I give my best efforts to achieve my goals," he said.
Apart from his appreciative efforts in saving birds which has earned him accolades from all quarters, Khamari has also received different awards including the Prakruti Bandhu Award from Odisha government for his dedication towards plantation and preservation of different plants.
“We are so proud that he received the Prakruti Bandhu award. In fact he is role model for others,” said Lalit Kumar Sahu, a local.
Karunakar Bhoi, district education officer of Boudh also hailed Khamari terming him a very hard working and dedicated teacher.
“He gives equal priority for gardening, teaching and keeping the environment of the school clean. He is a very dedicated person and it is because of him the Kundipadar UP School has become a model school in the district,” said Bhoi.