The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has installed more than 150 artificial bird nests across trees in Old Bhubaneswar, including near the iconic Lingaraj Temple, to protect birds from the summer heat.

Unlike ordinary nests, these installations are reportedly designed to provide a safe and cool refuge for birds during the scorching summer months. Water containers have also been placed alongside the nests to ensure that thirsty birds have access to hydration. 

The project has drawn praise from city residents for both protecting birds and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the urban landscape. “We can stay indoors when needed, but what about the birds? We welcome the step of the BMC,” said a Bhubaneswar resident.

The nests are not only meant to shelter birds from the intense heat but also to offer them a natural-feeling habitat in the heart of the concrete city. 

Each tree has at least 15 nests, along with water containers. To ensure proper access, the BMC has used ladders and other arrangements, guaranteeing that birds can safely enter and leave their temporary homes.

The summer-safety campaign is part of a pilot project, initially focused on the Lingaraj Temple area. In addition to the artificial nests, some trees have been fitted with traditional woven structures, providing a cool, secure, and natural-like shelter for urban birds.

The nests are produced at a dedicated center using recycled materials, where leftover bamboo is processed by staff into bird shelters. This initiative aims to combine wildlife welfare with sustainable resource use, creating a model for urban animal care in Bhubaneswar.

Assistant Commissioner of BMC, Loknath Bej, noted that the project seeks to enhance both the well-being of birds and the greenery of the city, setting a precedent for future wildlife-friendly urban interventions.

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He further said that the initiative has been taken up in Lingaraj Temple and Khandagiri areas, where the temperature is usually higher. “…In the coming days, Bhubaneswar will witness more such installations,” assured Bej.