Barnala man revives vanishing bird species with over 1 lakh artificial nest
Babushahi Bureau
Barnala (Punjab), July 10, 2026: In an inspiring example of grassroots environmental conservation, Sandeep Dhaula, a resident of Dhaula village in Punjab's Barnala district, has emerged as a leading voice in bird and habitat conservation by helping restore the populations of several native bird species that were gradually disappearing due to urbanisation, deforestation and changing environmental conditions.
For nearly two decades, Sandeep has been working tirelessly to provide safe nesting spaces for birds. So far, he has designed and installed more than one lakh artificial nest boxes across Punjab and neighbouring regions, creating safe shelters for birds that have lost their natural habitats.
His sustained efforts have helped bring back several bird species that had become increasingly rare. Today, the chirping of sparrows and other native birds once again echoes through his village and surrounding areas, offering hope for the revival of Punjab's natural biodiversity.
An MCA and MBA graduate, Sandeep began his environmental journey in 2003 by planting trees and building bird nests using his personal savings. What started as an individual initiative gradually evolved into a community-driven movement, with friends, volunteers and villagers joining hands to support the cause.
Today, Sandeep and his team continue to manufacture and install nest boxes on trees, in villages and urban neighbourhoods, ensuring birds have safe places to breed and thrive. They also provide food and water for birds throughout the year.
His conservation work has contributed to the return of several bird species, including house sparrows, mynas, parrots, owls, Indian rollers, pigeons, crows, shikras and many others. Areas around his home have transformed into vibrant bird habitats, filled with the sounds of native wildlife.
Sandeep's work has earned recognition well beyond Punjab. He has been honoured in Chandigarh for his contribution to environmental and bird conservation, while a renowned Mumbai-based production company has produced a telefilm documenting his remarkable journey.
Beyond fieldwork, Sandeep regularly conducts awareness seminars in schools, colleges, government institutions and religious organisations, encouraging people to protect biodiversity and reconnect with nature.
Speaking about his mission, Sandeep said his work is driven not by awards or recognition but by a sense of responsibility towards nature.
"I am not doing this for awards or appreciation. We have destroyed the natural habitats of birds, and it is our responsibility to restore them. If we want birds to return, we must recreate the environment where they feel safe," he said.
He believes that unchecked deforestation and rapid urban development have pushed many bird species away from their traditional homes. Restoring nesting spaces, he says, is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reverse that trend.
Sandeep also reflects on how mornings were once filled with the melodious songs of birds, a natural soundtrack that has faded in modern life. Through his initiative, he hopes future generations will once again wake up to the cheerful chirping of birds and understand the importance of preserving nature.
With thousands of birds now adopting the nest boxes installed by his team, Sandeep's conservation campaign stands as a powerful reminder that individual efforts, when sustained over time, can make a lasting impact on the environment.