This photo series is an ode to the natives of Mangalajodi (in Chilika, Odisha), a marshland famous for hosting several thousand migratory birds throughout the year. In just a few decades, they have managed to let go of their indigenous poaching methods to transform and commit their lifestyle to becoming committed conservationists of the area. The communities now partake in peaceful and sustainable practices to make a livelihood that has averted a crisis and restored ecological balance. The erstwhile poachers preserve the marshes by actively patrolling and protecting it from other poachers, monitoring bird populations, coordinating with the forest department, assisting in research, and managing the boat rides for tourists.

A lot of the time spent doing their work requires them to be in and around the waters of the marshland. Hence, the title, “Mermen of Mangalajodi.” The pictures show a few‘mermen’ in the midst of their daily chores.