Patna : In a bid to conserve the dwindling population of sparrows, the Forest and Environment Department is set to establish designated conservation areas, known as ‘Gauraiya Kutir’, in all the parks of Patna. The initiative, which aims to create safe habitats for the small bird, will begin with the construction of the first Gauraiya Kutir in SK Puri Park.
The project, tentatively named ‘Ganga Kutir’, is part of a broader effort spearheaded by the department to revive the sparrow population in urban areas. Patna Divisional Forest Conservator, Satyajit Kumar, shared details of the initiative while announcing the department’s plan. He highlighted that the upcoming action plan on sparrow conservation has been meticulously developed by sparrow expert Sanjay Kumar, who has been actively involved in such efforts.
As part of the project, small mud huts designed to shelter sparrows will be built in every park. These huts will be enclosed by bamboo fences, covering an area of 100-150 square feet. A 33 mm circular opening will be created in the bamboo structure, allowing only sparrows to enter. Inside the enclosures, native plants preferred by sparrows—such as brinjal, lemon, madhumalati, and guava—will be planted to provide a familiar habitat for nesting and feeding.
The mud houses will be placed amidst these plants to create a comfortable space for sparrows to thrive. Additionally, nests, food, and water will be provided to attract the birds.
Sanjay Kumar, the sparrow expert involved in the initiative, expressed concern over the sharp decline in the sparrow population, pointing to changing lifestyles and urbanisation as primary causes. He emphasised the need for conscious efforts to address the factors contributing to the disappearance of sparrows, urging communities to adapt their practices to ensure the survival of these once-common birds.
With the first Gauraiya Kutir set to be built soon, the Forest Department hopes this initiative will mark the beginning of a resurgence in the city’s sparrow population.
