They struggled against all odds and yet, managed to survive. Once a common sight, the numbers of sparrows had drastically dwindled. However, thanks to the efforts by individuals and some organizations across the country, these feathered creatures seem to have made a commendable comeback
Three decades ago, this tiny feathered creature thrived and was spotted literally everywhere—in the backyards of homes, on fruit trees and in the vicinity of neighbourhoods. With rapid urbanization, large homes in cities gave way to smaller dwelling spaces and increased commercialisation meant more concrete structures, ensuring there was hardly any breathing space for these winged creatures. Further, the lack of food and at times even water, compelled their numbers to dwindle.
The house sparrow or sparrow as we all know it, finally got a new lease of life in the year 2005 when Mohammed Dilawar founded Nature Forever Society, with the aim to protect and conserve these birds. Mohammed realized that providing the sparrows adequate food and water would ensure their survival and help their numbers grow. He also believed that it was a people’s movement and making them aware would surely save the sparrow.
Twenty years on, his efforts seemed to have paid off. Mohammed says the population of sparrows has definitely increased over the last two decades, since he and his organization began their work in various parts of the country. “This is because more and more people are feeding sparrows, apart from providing these birds nesting boxes—which means the primary need of the birds, which is habitat, is being met. Providing water during summer has also gone up.”
Large scale habitat destruction had led to the decline in numbers, but things are improving steadily. However, it is important we understand that looking after sparrows is a lifelong commitment and not a temporary hobby, he adds.
World Sparrow Day
Every year, on March 20th, World Sparrow Day is celebrated. The move first began in the year 2010 and the concept was introduced by the Nature Forever Society and the Eco-Sys Action Foundation of France.
This initiative heightened the much-needed awareness among people and Mohammed is glad that the bird has also been declared as the state bird of Delhi (In 2012, the Delhi government declared the house sparrow as the state bird, marking its symbolic significance in the capital).
While government policies can help, Mohammed believes it is important that people come together to ensure the sparrow population thrives. “Our focus all these years therefore, has been to make this more of a people’s movement.”
Yet another commendable initiative to save the sparrow in India includes the one by the Koodugal Trust in Chennai that has involved school children in creating sparrow nests. The children build small wooden houses, thus providing food and shelter for sparrows. From the years 2020 to 2024, the trust built over 10,000 nests, thus helping in increasing the number of sparrows.
In the city of palaces, Mysuru, Karnataka, the “Early Bird” campaign introduces children to birds. The program includes a library, activity kits and trips to villages to observe birds. These measures have helped children in realizing the significance of sparrows and other birds as well.
On an individual level, Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal has set up 50 nests in his home, where sparrows return every year to lay their eggs. He also ensures they are fed and taken care of.
All these measures have helped to a great extent and while much more remains to be done, thankfully, for bird lovers and enthusiasts, now, spotting a sparrow is not that uncommon after all.