A Childhood Among Deer
Sharvan Patel grew up in Dhawa, Rajasthan, where deer roamed freely in his family’s fields. Today, those fields are silent, and his children must visit zoos to see wildlife, sparking his mission to restore the region’s ecosystem.
The Crisis of the Jojri River
The Jojri River, polluted with chemical waste and sewage, endangers animals like blackbucks that rely on it. Sharvan’s efforts to provide clean watering holes face challenges as wildlife returns to contaminated sources.
Fences and Feral Dogs
Barbed wire fences, meant to protect crops, trap and injure blackbucks, making them easy prey for feral dogs. Sharvan educates farmers with videos of harmed animals, fostering accountability and empathy.
Restoring the Orans
Sharvan’s team uproots invasive Julie flora and plants native species like ber and khejri in the sacred Orans, creating grazing havens for wildlife and preserving biodiversity-rich community lands.
Innovative Watering Solutions
Inspired by Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, Sharvan built shallow, saucer-like ponds in the Orans, making water accessible to small animals. His model has inspired 30 other communities to follow suit.
The Power of One Rupee
Through the “One Rupee Per Day for Wildlife Conservation” WhatsApp group, 1,000 members contribute Rs 365 annually, funding habitat restoration, water refills, and animal rescue efforts.
Amplifying the Cause
Sharvan’s Instagram page, Thar Desert Photography, and hashtags like #SaveRiverJojri spread awareness, with the latter trending number one on Twitter, drawing attention to local wildlife issues.
Educating the Next Generation
During Wildlife Week, Sharvan’s team brought framed images of local species to schools, teaching children about bustards and blackbucks to ensure future generations carry forward the conservation mission.
Bridging Gaps with the Forest Department
With the forest department under-resourced, Sharvan’s team answers 5–7 daily calls about injured animals, providing immediate aid and collaborating to ensure wildlife receives care.
A Community United
Alongside friends Jagdish Pooniya and Radheshyam Bishnoi, Sharvan balances conservation with a full-time job. Their anti-poaching networks and birdwatching events inspire others to join the cause.
A Heartfelt Mission
The tragic loss of deer to barbed wire fuels Sharvan’s resolve. His dream is to restore Dhawa’s ecosystem, proving that small contributions and collective action can protect biodiversity for generations.
FAQs:
- How does Sharvan Patel fund his wildlife conservation efforts?
Sharvan’s WhatsApp group, “One Rupee Per Day for Wildlife Conservation,” has 1,000 members contributing Rs 365 yearly to support planting, watering holes, invasive species removal, and animal treatment. - What challenges does Sharvan face in his conservation work?
Sharvan combats river pollution, barbed wire injuries, feral dog attacks, and habitat loss from invasive species and unsustainable farming, while fostering community awareness and action.
