Patiala, January 5
Patiala Foundation has formally launched the Project CHIDIYA GHAR. The first batch of CHIDIYA GHAR bird nest spaces is being launched with the support and sponsorship of YES Bank, marking a significant step towards strengthening urban bird conservation through responsible institutional collaboration. Project CHIDIYA GHAR introduces thoughtfully designed bird nest spaces for urban environments such as residential colonies, educational institutions, public campuses and workplaces. A distinctive feature of the project is its digital geo-tagging system, which enables citizens and organisations to adopt or sponsor bird habitats, record their locations, and upload photographs of birds residing in them. This data-driven approach will allow the successful mapping of distinct bird species across Punjab, creating valuable insights for biodiversity documentation and serving as a meaningful boost to regional conservation efforts.
Speaking at the launch, Ravee Singh Ahluwalia, CEO and Founder, Patiala Foundation, while outlining the initiative said, ““Urban birds are critical indicators of the environmental health of our cities, yet they are increasingly losing safe habitats. Project CHIDIYA GHAR is an innovative way to reconnect people with nature while restoring ecological balance. I invite nature enthusiasts, institutions and responsible citizens to come forward as sponsors, volunteers and advocates of this project. Collective participation is key to nurturing a culture where conservation becomes a shared community value rather than an isolated effort.”
Representing YES Bank, Sanjeev Mehndiratta, Cluster Head, appreciated the initiative and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to sustainability. “At YES Bank, we believe responsible growth must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Supporting Project CHIDIYA GHAR aligns with our focus on meaningful Environmental, Social, and Governance issues and areas that create visible impact. By encouraging community participation in bird conservation, this project sets a replicable model for sustainable urban living.”
The initiative also underscores the vital role of civil society participation in achieving long-term environmental outcomes and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. By enabling resident welfare associations, educational institutions, workplaces and citizen groups to actively adopt and monitor bird habitats, Project CHIDIYA GHAR transforms conservation into a shared civic responsibility. Such community-led engagement contributes directly to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by fostering biodiversity, climate resilience and inclusive urban stewardship. The project demonstrates how informed civil society action, when supported by responsible institutions, can translate global sustainability goals into measurable local impact.
Project CHIDIYA GHAR, like other projects and initiatives, reflects Patiala Foundation’s continued commitment to environmentally responsive, community led solutions that nurture awareness, shared responsibility and harmony between urban development and natural ecosystems.
The event was attended by members Pawan Goyal, Anmoljit, SP Chand, Harpreet Sandhu, Rahul Sharma, Nidhi Sharma, Abhinandan Bassi, Eekisha Ahluwalia, Aadisheswar Ahluwalia and volunteers Satnam Singh, Sanyam, Aditya Jasrotia, Harpreet of Patiala Foundation, along with officials from YES Bank, including Sanjeev Mehndiratta, Cluster Head, Vishal Godra, Branch Manager, Lohit Dixit, TASC RM, Navdeep Bhatt, Cluster Manager, Paramjeet Goyal, Mohit Dhody, Treasurer RGMC and BD Gupta, Rahul Mehta, from RGMC Patiala.
