Birds at Hiranandani: The place Cities Nonetheless Wake As much as Birdsong

In most rising cities, the soundscape has modified. The morning refrain of birds has slowly been changed by visitors, development, and concrete rush. But, throughout the built-in townships developed beneath the management of Surendra Hiranandani, one thing remarkably totally different has unfolded. Right here, city development has not silenced nature. As an alternative, it has made room for it.

Throughout Powai and Thane, the presence of thriving birdlife shouldn’t be incidental, it’s the results of intent. It’s a story of planning that started not with blueprints alone, however with timber, soil, water our bodies, and an understanding that cities should breathe if they’re to really flourish.

A Imaginative and prescient Rooted in Inexperienced

Lengthy earlier than sustainability turned a company mandate, Surendra Hiranandani had already begun shaping his developments round ecological sensitivity. His curiosity in horticulture was not peripheral to his actual property journey, it was central to it.

In his early years, he visited botanical societies to deepen his understanding of natural world. Throughout travels overseas, he would observe plant species distinctive to totally different geographies, typically introducing appropriate varieties again residence after finding out their compatibility. The method didn’t cease at planting; it prolonged to monitoring development, making certain adaptation, and nurturing every panorama as a residing ecosystem by planting extra indigenous timber.

Multiple lakh timber have been planted throughout varied tasks beneath his management. These embrace over round 50 indigenous species, 50 unique species, and 50 kinds of palms. Uncommon and heritage timber corresponding to Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) and Weeping Willow (salix Babylonica) have discovered new houses inside these townships. Every plantation drive whether or not on Earth Day or Surroundings Day reinforces a long-term mission to plant 2 to three lakh timber throughout developments.

As Mr. Hiranandani has typically mirrored:

“City improvement should not disconnect us from nature. A metropolis that preserves its timber, water our bodies and birdlife preserves its soul. Gardens should not luxuries; they’re important areas that restore stability in our lives.”

This philosophy shouldn’t be symbolic. It’s seen within the expansive gardens of Powai and Thane, within the preserved hill slopes, and within the layered landscapes that now help a wealthy avian group.

Why Birds Matter

Birds are sometimes described as indicators of ecological well being. They reply rapidly to environmental modifications, making them one of the crucial dependable measures of ecosystem stability.

They occupy virtually each ecological area of interest predators, insect hunters, seed dispersers, nectar feeders. Some sit on the prime of the meals chain and are extremely delicate to toxins. Others rely on particular vegetation for meals or nesting. When birds thrive, it often means the broader system is functioning properly.

The documentation of 48 chicken species in and round Hiranandani Premises together with Thane Nursery , Nirvana Backyard Powai, Forest Backyard Powai, and Hill Forest Powai suggests a habitat that helps layered vegetation, insect life, water sources, and protected nesting areas.

This range didn’t occur by chance.

Designing for Life, Not Simply Dwelling

The presence of raptors just like the Black Kite and Booted Eagle suggests wholesome prey cycles. Kingfishers and cormorants point out functioning water our bodies. Sunbirds and flowerpeckers sign nectar-rich flowering timber. Hole-nesting birds just like the Coppersmith Barbet thrive the place useless wooden is responsibly retained as a substitute of cleared away.

This layered ecosystem is the results of:

• Mature cover timber for nesting and roosting
• Mid-level shrubs for shelter
• Floor vegetation to help insect populations
• Everlasting water options
• A aware choice for native plant species
• Minimal ecological disturbance throughout upkeep

Moderately than treating gardens as ornamental areas, the planning views them as residing habitats.

A Mannequin for City India

In quickly urbanizing cities, home gardens and residential landscapes collectively kind among the largest remaining vegetated areas. When designed with intention, they’ll change into sanctuaries for biodiversity.

The Hiranandani townships reveal that improvement and ecology needn’t be adversaries. When management prioritizes analysis, innovation, and environmental duty, the end result is not only aesthetic magnificence however ecological resilience.

Immediately, the sight of a Purple Sunbird hovering close to blossoms, the decision of the Asian Koel at daybreak, or the swift dive of a kingfisher right into a water physique stands as quiet validation of a long-held perception: that cities should develop with nature, not in opposition to it.

In preserving timber, water, and birdlife, Surendra Hiranandani’s developments provide greater than houses they provide habitats. And in doing so, they remind us that sustainable urbanism shouldn’t be merely about decreasing hurt, however about actively creating areas the place life in all its varieties can thrive.

The Birds of Hiranandani Property

Under is the recorded avifaunal range in and across the estates: