In Conflict-Torn Manipur, One Man's Rs 5 Nest Mission Saves Sparrows
In the volatile landscapes of Manipur, where ethnic tensions between Meiteis and Kukis have erupted into violence since 2023, a small bird's survival hinges on a simple, handmade nest costing under Rs 5. House sparrows, once ubiquitous across India, now face rapid habitat loss, but in the conflict-scarred districts of Churachandpur and Bishnupur, their fate is intertwined with the courage of one man: Anish Ahamad.
A Fragile Mission Amidst Gunfire
Anish Ahamad, an environmentalist from Kwakta village in Bishnupur district, navigates a perilous existence. Living near the tense border between districts, he describes a reality where gunfire can erupt without warning, turning a casual walk into a desperate dash for cover. "Conflicting parties frequently engaged in fierce gunbattles," he said. "We used to get caught in the crossfire if we ventured out carelessly. Under such circumstances, it was very hard to keep on looking after the birds."
Despite the dangers, Ahamad persists in his seventh year of the 'Save Sparrow' project, a rare constant in a region dominated by uncertainty. When clouds gather, signaling the approach of the rainy season, he becomes a man on a mission, knocking on doors with handmade sparrow nests—round, pouch-shaped creations woven from natural fibre, light enough to hang on trees or walls.
The Science and Strategy of Sparrow Conservation
Timing is critical in this endeavor. Ahamad explains, "House sparrows have an extensive breeding season from March to September. They are prolific breeders, capable of producing two to four, sometimes five broods a year." The weeks before the monsoons are his rush hour, as gusty winds and heavy rains can destroy months of nesting efforts. He not only distributes nests but also educates families on proper placement and tying techniques to ensure the fragile mission endures.
To date, Ahamad has installed over 600 nests and distributed nearly 300 for free, estimating that local sparrow numbers increase by approximately 5,000 annually. These small birds are strategic allies for farmers, consuming crop pests and larvae during breeding seasons, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, and serving as indicators of ecosystem health around fields and homes.
Overcoming Obstacles and Changing Perceptions
The work unfolds against a backdrop of violence that has repeatedly stalled his efforts. As a Meitei Pangal, Ahamad has faced periods where safety necessitated staying indoors. "Due to the unfortunate events, I had to go without venturing out to work for a week," he recounted. "At certain points, I needed to move to other places for safety."
Recognition, such as the State Wildlife Incentive Award in 2022 and 2023, has not alleviated the challenges. He operates largely alone with limited finances, driven by what he calls "the love of environment and passion for wildlife conservation." Initially, some households questioned the relevance of sparrow conservation amidst strained livelihoods, but many of those same communities now proactively seek his nests and guidance.
A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship
Ahamad's commitment extends beyond sparrows. Over the years, he has handed more than 35 wildlife species to the forest department, planted 200,000 saplings, and distributed 50,000 for free under his green cover initiatives. The mission began as a personal promise tied to the memory of his late father, Abdul Ajij, and has evolved into a public act of resilience.
As monsoon winds sweep across the contested hills and valleys of Manipur, Ahamad continues threading nests through fear, insisting that coexistence is daily work—done before the rain and despite the guns. In a region where survival is often measured in moments, his Rs 5 nests offer a testament to perseverance, proving that even in the darkest times, small actions can foster hope and biodiversity.
