Introduction

Once a common sight in Indian households, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) has been slowly disappearing from urban landscapes. Factors like rapid urbanization, pollution, electromagnetic radiation from mobile towers, and habitat destruction have contributed to their decline. But one man, popularly known as India’s ‘Nest Man’, has taken it upon himself to bring them back.

This extraordinary individual has dedicated his life to creating artificial nests and has installed over 7 lakh nests across India. His mission? To provide sparrows with safe spaces to breed and thrive once again in cities where their presence has dwindled.

Who is the ‘Nest Man’ of India?

The man behind this revolutionary conservation effort is Rakesh Khatri, an environmentalist from Delhi. His deep love for birds, especially sparrows, began in his childhood when he noticed their gradual disappearance from cityscapes.

Realizing that sparrows were losing their natural nesting spaces due to modern infrastructure, he decided to take action. Khatri started by building artificial nests using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, jute, wood, and coconut shells and encouraging people to install them in their homes, balconies, and gardens.

His work has since evolved into a nationwide movement, inspiring students, communities, and environmental groups to participate in sparrow conservation.

The Decline of House Sparrows in India

Several factors have led to the sharp decline of house sparrows in India:

1️⃣ Loss of Natural Habitats

  • Old-style houses with open roofs and ventilators, where sparrows once nested, are now replaced by modern glass-and-concrete buildings.
  • Urban landscaping often lacks the trees and shrubs that sparrows need for shelter.

2️⃣ Electromagnetic Radiation

  • The increasing use of mobile towers and Wi-Fi networks has been linked to declining bird populations.
  • Some studies suggest electromagnetic waves disrupt sparrows' reproductive cycles and navigation abilities.

3️⃣ Pollution & Food Shortages

  • Air pollution and pesticide use have drastically reduced the number of insects—a crucial food source for sparrow chicks.
  • Packaged and processed foods have replaced the traditional grain and open markets where sparrows once found easy food.

4️⃣ Predation & Competition

  • Urban environments have introduced aggressive bird species like pigeons, which often outcompete sparrows for food and nesting spaces.

How Rakesh Khatri is Bringing Sparrows Back

1️⃣ Building Over 7 Lakh Artificial Nests

Rakesh Khatri and his team have designed and distributed eco-friendly nests in urban and rural areas. These nests are:
✅ Made from natural materials to mimic traditional sparrow habitats.
✅ Easy to install on balconies, terraces, and trees.
✅ Encouraging people to place bird feeders nearby for food supply.

2️⃣ Conducting Sparrow Awareness Workshops

He has educated over 100,000 students and citizens through workshops, showing them how to make and install artificial nests. These workshops are held in:
???? Schools & colleges to teach the next generation about bird conservation.
???? Communities & housing societies to spread awareness among city dwellers.

3️⃣ Partnering with Government & NGOs

  • His initiatives have gained support from environmental groups, wildlife organizations, and government bodies.
  • March 20 is now celebrated as World Sparrow Day, a global movement to promote sparrow conservation.

4️⃣ Setting Up "Sparrow Villages"

  • Certain rural areas have been transformed into sparrow-friendly zones with abundant food, water, and nesting options.
  • These zones serve as models for urban biodiversity projects.

Impact of His Efforts

✅ Sparrow populations have shown signs of recovery in areas where artificial nests have been installed.
✅ Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai have seen an increase in sparrow sightings.
✅ Thousands of people have joined the movement, setting up nests in their homes and localities.
✅ His work has received national and international recognition, inspiring more conservation projects.

How You Can Help Save Sparrows

If you want to contribute to the revival of sparrows in your area, here are some simple steps:

????️ Install an artificial nest on your balcony or terrace.
???? Keep a small container of grains (millet, rice, or wheat) for sparrows to feed on.
???? Provide a water bowl, especially during summer months.
???? Plant native trees and shrubs that attract sparrows.
???? Avoid using chemical pesticides in your garden or nearby parks.
???? Spread awareness about the importance of sparrows and encourage your community to take action.

Final Thoughts

Rakesh Khatri’s mission proves that one person’s dedication can bring a species back from the brink of disappearance. His 7 lakh artificial nests have not only given sparrows a second chance but have also inspired an entire nation to care for its biodiversity.

With collective efforts, we can ensure that future generations continue to wake up to the cheerful chirping of sparrows. Are you ready to join the movement? ????????