Ganeshan D, the founder of Koodugal Nest, has made it his life’s mission to give back to nature. A passionate environmentalist, he is working to boost the sparrow population in Chennai through his innovative conservation efforts.

“From childhood, I have always been fascinated by nature and deeply passionate about conserving sparrows,” he shares. His studies in mechanical engineering and early environmental projects laid the foundation for his future work.

Although Ganeshan worked as a professor at SRM University and later moved into the IT sector, his true passion remained rooted in environmental conservation. He founded Koodugal Nest, a dedicated initiative focused on increasing the sparrow population.

Koodugal Trust, based in Chennai, is changing communities through education, conservation, and hands-on action. Focused on protecting sparrows, they inspire future generations to connect with and give back to nature.

In 2020, Ganeshan and his wife, Shanthini, officially registered Koodugal Nest. “After marriage, my wife Shanthini became the backbone of Koodugal Nest, taking on the role of project manager,” he shares.

Sparrows play an essential role in controlling pests and ensuring agricultural productivity. “As insectivores, sparrows help control pests like mosquitoes, flies, and crop-damaging insects,” he explains.

In just a few years, Koodugal Nest has distributed over 10,000 nest boxes across schools and gated communities in Chennai. “About 60-70% of the nest boxes are now occupied by sparrows, with multiple generations nesting in the boxes,” Ganeshan proudly states.

When Koodugal Nest first approached communities, there was initial hesitation. “We were strangers, and many didn’t understand why sparrow conservation mattered,” he recalls.

However, through persistence and outreach, they gained the support of schools and local communities, spreading awareness about the importance of sparrow conservation.

To make the project sustainable, Koodugal Nest began producing its own nest box kits, lowering costs and empowering communities. “We cut the materials ourselves, and instead of giving out finished products, we trained students to assemble their own nest boxes,” says Ganeshan.

The NGO focuses on educating students about sparrow conservation. “Previous generations understood the importance of sparrows, but today’s generation is less aware,” the founder observes.

By engaging students in hands-on activities, Koodugal is raising awareness and promoting empathy for nature, while improving children’s skills and reducing screen time.

One key discovery by Koodugal Nest was that the reduction of sand in urban areas contributed to the decline of sparrows. At Revoor Padmanabha Chetty Matriculation School, the abundance of sand created a perfect environment for sparrows.

Looking ahead, Ganeshan aims to expand Koodugal Nest's reach. “Our goal is to reach 1,00,000 families and distribute more nest boxes in 10 years,” he says.