Bring Back the Chiraiya
Reviving declining house sparrow populations through community participation, eco-friendly handmade nests and awareness campaigns.
Overview
Bring Back the Chiraiya is a conservation initiative dedicated to reviving the declining populations of house sparrows. Through community participation, distribution of eco-friendly nests and awareness campaigns, the project aims to restore safe habitats for these small birds. It symbolises a larger effort to reconnect people with urban biodiversity and protect the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Why the chiraiya is disappearing
Once a common presence in Indian homes and public spaces, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and scaly-breasted munia (Lonchura punctulata) have been quietly vanishing from urban landscapes, primarily due to habitat loss. Modern buildings lack the crevices and cavities that older structures offered as nesting sites, and the loss of native vegetation and use of pesticides have reduced the insects that chicks depend on during the breeding season.
Research cited in Ecoensa’s launch article describes an 80–90% decline in urban sparrow populations in major cities such as Delhi over the past 15 years (Choudhary et al., 2020; Sharma & Binner, 2020).
Handcrafted nests, heartcrafted hope
At the heart of the initiative is community-driven action. Ecoensa collaborated with a group of women artisans from semi-urban and rural pockets to create handmade nests from natural fibres — a safe space for chiriyas to breed, shelter and return, and a way of giving the artisans’ skills purpose and visibility.
“This isn’t just about the birds. It’s about reviving our connection with nature. When sparrows return, peace follows.”
How you can help
- 01Put out grains and water bowls daily
- 02Install handmade nests in a quiet, semi-shaded corner
- 03Educate your neighbours, RWAs and school groups
- 04Invite Ecoensa for an awareness session or nest drive
Scaling up
At launch, Ecoensa set out a next phase of 5,000 nests across 100 localities. Schools, housing societies, CSR groups and municipal bodies interested in partnering can reach the team at info@ecoensa.com.
