For more than a decade, she has been protecting the house sparrows without fail in Malkangiri. She installs artificial nests in Malkangiri’s rural pockets to conserve house sparrows, believing birds play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem.
She goes around the villages Birakishorepur, MV 45, MV 02, Gaudaguda, Markelguda, Gandiaguda, and areas coming under Sadar police jurisdiction, educating people and school children about the importance of the sparrow. Armed with cardboard, wood, shoeboxes, and bamboo, she sets out to create artificial nests for her feathered friends. Her efforts have been fruitful, with the sparrow population showing signs of growth.
Deepa’s dedication has led to the setting up of over 500 sparrow nests across villages, funded by her own earnings from tutoring students and scholarship money from fellowships.
Ommcom News gets candid with Deepa Rani, the driving force behind the conservation of house sparrows in Malkangiri, to delve into her inspiring journey, her motivations, and the impact she’s making in her community.
“A balanced ecosystem is indispensable to the survival of our planet. Every creature, big or small, plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of eco-system. Sparrows, in particular, are crucial in controlling insect pests and supporting plant growth. But with rapid urbanization, they’ve lost their natural habitats, threatening their very existence. That’s why I’m dedicated to protecting these tiny birds – they’re a vital part of our ecosystem, and their loss would have far-reaching consequences” said Deepa on asking the reason behind protecting sparrows.
She further maintained, “Sparrow conservation is considered the ‘need of the hour’ because these birds, which have coexisted with humans for thousands of years, are rapidly disappearing from urban and rural areas due to habitat destruction, pollution, and, for many, the inability to adapt to modern architectural changes. Their decline serves as a critical indicator of environmental degradation and a warning sign for the health of our own urban ecosystems.”
That apart, Deepa Rani also empowers students and child labourers by teaching them to create crafts from waste materials, promoting sustainability and creativity. She’s developed engaging games that educate kids about nature and environmental conservation, inspiring young minds to become eco-warriors.
“In 2012-13, I saw a report on TV about the declining sparrow population, and it really struck a chord with me. I reached out to experts from Odisha, Bihar, Bangalore, and Gujarat to learn more about these birds and how to protect them. The ‘Sparrow Man’ Rabindranath Sahu from Ganjam was a huge help. He taught me how to make nests and spread awareness about conservation. I also spent two years in Bihar, working with Environment Warrior, which deepened my understanding of these amazing creatures”, said Deepa recalling her initial days.
A recipient of many awards in district- state-level, Deepa also takes care of injured animals and provides them required treatment nursing injured creatures back to health.
Deepa credits her father for inspiring her philanthropic spirit – he was a kind soul who always helped others. She’s also deeply influenced by Peepal Baba, who’s been sounding the alarm on deforestation for 47 years and nurturing a greener planet.
By Rashmi Rekha Das
