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 site visitors, building, and concrete rush. But, throughout the built-in townships developed below the management of Surendra Hiranandani, one thing remarkably totally different has unfolded. Right here, city progress has not silenced nature. As a substitute, 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 actually 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 wildlife. Throughout travels overseas, he would observe plant species distinctive to totally different geographies, usually introducing appropriate varieties again house after finding out their compatibility. The method didn’t cease at planting; it prolonged to monitoring progress, guaranteeing adaptation, and nurturing every panorama as a residing ecosystem.

Greater than two lakh timber have been planted throughout numerous initiatives below his management. These embody over 50 indigenous species, 50 unique species, and 50 styles of palms. Uncommon and heritage timber comparable to Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) and Baobab (Adansonia digitata) 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 10 to fifteen lakh timber throughout developments.

As Mr. Hiranandani has usually mirrored:

“City improvement should not disconnect us from nature. A metropolis that preserves its timber, water our bodies and birdlife preserves its soul. Gardens will not be luxuries; they’re important areas that restore steadiness 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 shortly to environmental modifications, making them some of the dependable measures of ecosystem steadiness.

They occupy nearly 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 upon 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 Estates together with Thane Botanical Backyard (hill space), Nirvana Backyard Powai, Forest Backyard Powai, and Hill Forest Powai suggests a habitat that helps layered vegetation, insect life, water sources, and secure nesting areas.

This variety didn’t occur by chance.

The Birds of Hiranandani Property

Beneath is the recorded avifaunal variety in and across the estates:

Standing: C – Frequent | R – Uncommon | O – Occasional

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 lifeless wooden is responsibly retained as an alternative 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 desire for native plant species
• Minimal ecological disturbance throughout upkeep

Reasonably 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 a number of the largest remaining vegetated areas. When designed with intention, they’ll turn out to be sanctuaries for biodiversity.

The Hiranandani townships display that improvement and ecology needn’t be adversaries. When management prioritizes analysis, innovation, and environmental duty, the result isn’t just 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 towards it.

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