Doiwala, February 17, 2025
The bright sunshine in late January and the changing weather in February indicate that this summer will be intense. During the hot months, everyone seeks shade, whether it’s humans, animals, or birds.
About 10 km from Doiwala and 20 km from Dehradun, Laxman Singh (40 years old) from Thano region is crafting wooden homes for birds.
Although birds naturally build nests, these structures resemble small houses, complete with entry holes designed to match the size of birds. These tiny shelters can comfortably accommodate a pair of birds, offering them a safe and shaded space during the scorching summer.
A group of sparrows near Chopta in Rudraprayag district. Photo- Rajesh Pandey
In Thano, right in front of the main gate of Mata Bala Sundari Temple, Laxman Singh, who runs a furniture and welding business, is passionately engaged in building wooden homes for birds.
Laxman Singh explains, “All we need to do is hang or place these small houses in a safe spot at our homes. The birds, especially sparrows, will find them on their own. They will bring twigs and create a cozy nest inside.”
Laxman Singh’s Initiative to Save Sparrows in Thano
In a conversation with activist Mohit Uniyal on the “Hum Bharat Ke Log” program, Laxman Singh shared that he has been crafting small, colorful wooden houses for birds for the past four years.
“Sparrows are rarely seen these days, but they are still around. Their conservation is our collective responsibility,” says Laxman. He emphasizes that while Thano has plenty of trees, urban areas lack greenery, making it difficult for birds to find shelter.
Handmade Birdhouses – A Growing Demand
Laxman has observed that people are very interested in these birdhouses. He offers them in two sizes:
- Large Pair – ₹1000
- Small Pair – ₹600
Each set is sold in pairs to provide a comfortable habitat for sparrow couples.
“Sparrows Need to Live in Our Hearts, Not Just in Our Living Rooms” – Prof. Shastri
Are Domestic Sparrows Making a Comeback?
Activist Mohit Uniyal praises Laxman’s initiative, calling it “a unique and valuable effort.” He highlights that bird watchers from far and wide visit the mountainous villages around Thano to observe various bird species, while urban areas continue to witness a decline in bird populations.
He suggests that during summer, these birdhouses should be hung in shaded areas to provide shelter for sparrows. Additionally, he recommends placing water bowls and food near these houses to support birds in the heat. Similarly, keeping water-filled containers near gates for animals would be a great step toward wildlife conservation.
