Artificial nests to shelter birds at Rabindra Sarovar

The Lake Eco Lovers' Forum of Rabindra Sarovar has put up five nests made of clay on trees at the Safari Park, inside it, to provide shelter to birds.
The Rabindra Sarovar lake, in south Kolkata, is spread over 192 acres, comprising a large waterbody with gardens and parks.
Five nests made of earthen pots were hung from five trees to protect birds and their chicks from cold, predators and air pollution, said the mentor of the project, Somendranath Ghosh, adding, 15 more nests will be put up soon.
"This is a pilot project and it was launched on Wednesday (December 13). The move, with support from Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), is aimed at saving the birds from predators and pollutants," he said.

Ghosh said more such nests will be put up by mid-February next year.
In addition, the forum will install wooden boxes to provide temporary shelter to the migratory birds.

He also said according to a recent study by an NGO, there are around 200 bird species, including parrots, barbets, starlings, mynahs, golden orioles, red-throated flycatchers, cormorants and pond herons at the Safari Park.
In July, as part of the initiative to save the greenery at Rabindra Sarovar, different projects, such as 'adopt a tree' and 'plant a tree', were taken up within the compound where people chose to spend money for the upkeep of a tree.

Speaking about future plans, Ghosh said, "We will submit a detailed proposal about the project to the KMDA CEO, provided our pilot project is successful."
If the project is sustainable, then 1,000 nests would be installed across Rabindra Sarovar, he added.