One Rupee a Day: How Sharvan Patel and 1,000 WhatsApp Members Are Reviving Rajasthan’s Wildlife

                           Image credit: The better India (from instagram)

By Aditya | May 29, 2025

Jodhpur, Rajasthan –

In the arid landscapes of western India, where wildlife once thrived across sacred community lands, a quiet yet powerful movement is emerging — led not by government agencies, but by one determined conservationist and a grassroots WhatsApp group.

Sharvan Patel, a passionate wildlife conservationist, founded the initiative “One Rupee a Day for Wildlife Conservation”, which has grown to include over 1,000 members. Each member contributes just ₹1 daily, collectively raising about ₹30,000 monthly to fund vital conservation activities across Rajasthan.

Reviving Sacred Lands, One Tree and Pond at a Time

The funds are primarily used to restore Orans — sacred community forests that have suffered from neglect and invasive species over the years. Volunteers actively remove invasive plants and replant native species such as ber, khejri, and kumatiya trees. They also revive grazing areas essential for native herbivores.

Inspired by the success of the Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, the group has constructed shallow water ponds to provide reliable water sources for local wildlife like blackbucks, rabbits, and desert foxes — especially critical during Rajasthan’s harsh dry seasons.

> “Our goal is to restore balance, not just protect wildlife. The land, people, and animals must thrive together,” Sharvan explains.

                         Image credit: The better India (from instagram)

Overcoming Environmental Challenges

The team faces numerous challenges. The Jojri River in the area is severely polluted, endangering local fauna. Feral dogs pose a constant threat to injured wildlife, while barbed wire fencing traps and injures many animals.

Rather than pointing fingers, Sharvan engages with local farmers and villagers, advocating for wildlife-friendly land practices and raising awareness. Changing attitudes is as vital as restoring habitats.

Community Champions at the Forefront

Sharvan is supported by dedicated locals like Radheshyam and Jagdish, who refill large water tanks, patrol against poaching, and educate schoolchildren about wildlife preservation. Remarkably, these volunteers balance conservation efforts alongside their full-time jobs.

> “If we can do this with limited time and money, anyone can,” says Radheshyam.

 A Model for Grassroots Conservation

Sharvan’s vision goes beyond saving individual species. He aims to rebuild entire ecosystems — to restore the natural harmony he recalls from his childhood.

His initiative proves that effective conservation need not rely solely on large funding or international programs. Small, consistent contributions and committed community involvement can drive meaningful change.

> “I don’t care how many deer a sanctuary has. I want my home to be the healthy ecosystem it once was,” Sharvan states.

The One Rupee a Day movement is a testament to the power of collective action. It shows how ordinary citizens, united by a shared goal, can restore the delicate balance between humans, animals, and nature.