Conservation Amid Conflict: Manipur Environmentalist's Sparrow Mission Defies Gunfire
In the tense border region between Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts of Manipur, where sudden gunfire erupts without warning, environmentalist Anish Ahamad continues a fragile conservation mission that has become a remarkable act of resilience. The Kwakta village resident has transformed the weeks before monsoon into his busiest period, distributing handmade sparrow nests despite living in an area where daily life is shaped by fear and uncertainty.
The Annual Race Against Monsoon
As monsoon clouds gather over Manipur's valleys, Anish Ahamad moves door-to-door carrying handmade sparrow nests, showing families proper placement techniques before gusty winds and heavy rains can undo months of nesting work. This annual rhythm marks the seventh year of his "Save Sparrow" mission, which has grown into one of the region's few steady conservation efforts.
The numbers reveal significant impact: Ahamad has installed more than 600 sparrow nests and distributed nearly 300 free of cost, contributing to local sparrow population increases of 4,000–5,000 birds annually. He ties this urgency to the bird's extensive breeding season from March to September, noting house sparrows can produce two to five broods per year.
"House sparrows are prolific breeders, but their nesting requires protection," Ahamad explained. "A nest can be made for less than ₹5, making this an accessible conservation effort for communities."
Navigating Conflict Zones
The conservation work unfolds against a backdrop of persistent ethnic conflict that has disrupted Manipur since 2023. For Ahamad, a Meitei Pangal (Muslim), the mission means navigating not only financial strain and community indifference but also immediate physical danger.
"Living on the border between Churachandpur and Bishnupur district, we face sudden crossfire if we venture out carelessly," Ahamad described. "The conflicting parties frequently engage in fierce gun battles at any time."
He recalls periods when conservation work became impossible: "Due to unfortunate incidents, I had to stay indoors without venturing out for a week. At certain points, I needed to relocate for safety, hampering my activities significantly."
Recognition Without Support
Despite receiving the State Wildlife Incentive Award in both 2022 and 2023, Ahamad says he has carried out most work alone without government backing and with limited financial means. "The love of environment and passion for wildlife conservation made me unstoppable," he stated, while expressing frustration at being overlooked by authorities.
Initial community skepticism has gradually transformed into acceptance. Villages that once questioned why sparrows mattered amid livelihood pressures now increasingly call Ahamad for help, requesting nest installations and guidance.
Beyond Sparrows: A Comprehensive Conservation Vision
Ahamad's environmental work extends far beyond sparrow protection. Over years of dedication, he has:
- Handed over more than 35 wildlife species to the state forest department
- Planted approximately 2 lakh saplings across the region
- Distributed 50,000 free saplings to local communities
The mission began as a personal promise rooted in nostalgia and memory of his late father Abdul Ajij. Today, as monsoon approaches once more, it stands as a public testament to one man's insistence that coexistence represents not merely a slogan but a daily practice.
Even as conservation collides with conflict and economic reality in Manipur's volatile border areas, Anish Ahamad's work demonstrates how environmental stewardship can persist against formidable odds, creating pockets of ecological hope where gunfire might otherwise dominate the landscape.
