Music to the ears of homeless sparrows

KOCHI: Aiming to conserve the dwindling population of house sparrows, Jain   Foundation, led by activist Mukesh Jain, has come forward with a novel    venture to provide shelter for these little birds. As part of the conservation programme titled ‘Pakshi Samrakshana Bodhavalkarna Abyan’, artificial nests will be put up at different parts of  the city.The programme, which will begin at Tagore Library this Sunday, will be  implemented with the help of local people.  “Nests will be distributed to members of Tagore Library to be kept on their houses. We will give away 50 nests made of clay in the first   stage. More nests will be distributed to interested people in the later  stage. We hope participation of schools and other institutions in the project will help turn the programme a huge success,” Mukesh Jain said.The number of house sparrows is dwindling with the city developing each day.“The house sparrows live close to human habitat and depend on human beings.  Tiny nests are mostly seen on tiled roofs of old houses. Since, modern  houses are made of concrete roofing, these little scavengers find it hard   to get shelter. With greenery vanishing from the cityscape, it has become   our responsibility to conserve these birds. Through providing nests, we can help them find shelter to survive in the city,” Mukesh Jain said.Mukesh Jain and the Jain Foundation have been active in bird conservation  activities for last few years. Mukesh has saved at least 30 birds trapped in kite strings on different occasions.He is assisted in his venture by climbers who can scale tall trees and rescue the birds in distress.Mukesh also provides water for thirsty birds during summer.“The birds are  the most affected species owing to the rising temperature, especially in areas like West Kochi,” he said.Concerned over the worsening situation, Mukesh conceived the idea of  involving the public in the programme. Last year, he had taken up the initiative to distribute earthen bowls which could be placed on the roof tops after filling it with water. Mukesh had been able to distribute over 160 such bowls last year.