Bihars Peacock village

A visit to Mayapur Govind, a lesser-known village in East Champaran District of Bihar, will be a delight to any bird lover.

By Ajay Kumar

Champaran (Bihar), Oct.8 : A visit to Mayapur Govind, a lesser-known village in East Champaran District of Bihar, will be a delight to any bird lover.

The presence of over 200 peacocks and peahens, flying all over the fields in a carefree manner is something that captivates everyone. hy have the peacocks adopted the village as their home?

The Mayapur Govind villagers say that these peacocks are actually the offspring of a pair of peacocks that were once bought here by two native friends.

"Over 50 years ago two men Shiv Kumar and Chandrika Singh bought a peacock and peahen from a village fair. They multiplied and are living and breeding in this village," said Uma Shankar Singh, a villager.

"Most of the peacocks stay in the vicinity of Shiv Kumar's home but they keep on flying around the village. At times, these peacocks destroy our crops. But we don't mind it. Indeed, we all are happy that the national bird of India is present in our village in such a good number," said Uma Shankar Singh, a villager.

Although Shiv Kumar and Chandrika are no more, the pair of peacock that they once bought has multiplied into a big number. hese peacocks are considered a part of the family. The unwritten rule of protecting these beautiful birds as fellow members is something that all villagers abide by here.

They also keep a vigil against anyone trying to disturb the birds or harm their eggs;

"These Peacocks are secure here. No one touches them or harms them. We put extra seeds in our fields at the time of sowing so that the peacocks may feed on them. The villagers care for them a lot, they are like family," said Kailash Thakur, another villager.

They can perch liberally on roofs and treetops without fear.

" This year during Jyestha (the third month as per Hindu calendar, between late May and last week of June), the peacocks were not getting water to drink. Hence, I got a pond constructed for them bearing all the expenses of the construction. I also, feed these peacocks regularly," said Mohan Singh, another villager.

Ram Chandra Sahni, Bihar's Minister for Environment and Forests, has assured that appropriates steps would be taken to ensure the growth of peacocks in the village.

"We cannot declare the place as a sanctuary, as in that case no residential activity will be allowed here. However, we shall soon take steps to protect these birds of national importance," said Ram Chandr Sahni, State Minister for Environment and Forest. eacock is polygamous being by nature and can mate with up to six peahens at a time.

The number of eggs laid range between four and eight and the incubation period is around 28 days. The eggs are usually laid in the afternoon and are light brown in colour.

Blue peacock, scientifically known as Pavo Cristatus, is regarded as one of the most beautiful birds throughout the world and is provided with adequate safety in India, under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Poaching of this swan-sized bird, with a long and slender neck, is a punishable offence.he unusual attachment of the villagers with these peacocks is followed by a five decades old saga.

ANI