Some battles are fought with swords.
Others with silence.
And a rare few — with nothing but patience, courage, and a camera.
In Shivdashpur, a small village near Jaipur, Rajasthan, the story of Kishan Meena is one that belongs to the wind, the water, and the wings that pass overhead.
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Where the world gathers each winter
On a crisp winter morning, the air in Shivdashpur feels almost weightless. Mist hangs low over two village ponds — Chandlai and Barkhera — as the sun slowly turns the horizon gold.
Every year, hundreds of migratory birds arrive here from as far as Siberia, Europe, and Africa. They fly for days, sometimes weeks, over mountains, deserts, and seas just to rest in this little patch of Rajasthan.
If you stand by the shore, you might see flamingos wading in pairs, their reflections stretching like brushstrokes in the water. Egrets tiptoe through the reeds. Ducks gather in quiet flocks. And once in a while, a raptor slices through the sky, sending smaller birds into a sudden, swirling dance.
For Kishan Meena, these moments aren’t just beautiful — they’re sacred.
The shadow that fell over the ponds
It wasn’t always peaceful here. Years ago, Kishan was photographing at Chandlai pond when he noticed a group of men with nets and crude weapons. They weren’t here to watch birds.
The men were poachers, killing birds for meat and trade. In the village, this wasn’t uncommon — but it was also something no one spoke about.
Kishan couldn’t stay silent.
At first, he tried explaining to the locals why the birds mattered — how they were vital to the balance of nature, and how their presence brought recognition to the village. Some listened, most didn’t.
So he took the matter to the police. He confronted the hunters. And when that wasn’t enough, he simply kept showing up — making it harder for anyone to kill birds unnoticed.
It wasn’t a quick win. The fight stretched over months. But little by little, the hunting stopped.
A camera for change
Since then, Kishan has photographed 297 unique bird species at Chandlai and Barkhera — the highest documented by any single individual at one location in India.
His photos aren’t just art. They’re proof — a record of life that exists here, and a reason for others to care.
When he isn’t behind the camera, he’s in schools and community halls, teaching children about conservation. Sometimes, he brings them to the ponds so they can see the birds for themselves. “Once you’ve looked into the eyes of a living creature,” he says, “you’ll think twice before hurting it.”
Meeting Kishan in Shivdashpur
If you’re lucky enough to visit during winter (November to February), there’s a good chance you’ll meet Kishan by the water’s edge, quietly scanning the horizon for movement. He might point out a rare bird you’d never notice on your own — perhaps a black-necked stork or a Northern shoveler.
He doesn’t talk much about his efforts unless you ask, but if you do, you’ll hear a story that turns the ponds from a scenic stop into something unforgettable.
Travel tips to Shivdashpur
Nearest city: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Best time to visit:
- November to February for migratory birds.
- Early mornings are best for sightings and photography.
How to get there:
- By road: Shivdashpur is about 35 km from Jaipur city. You can hire a taxi or rent a bike/scooter for the day. The drive takes around 45–50 minutes.
- By public transport: Local buses run from Jaipur to nearby areas, but for flexibility (and carrying camera gear), a private vehicle is better.
Where to go:
- Chandlai Pond: Famous for large flocks of migratory birds in winter.
- Barkhera Pond: Quieter, less visited, and equally rich in birdlife.
Tips for visitors:
- Carry binoculars and a good zoom lens if you’re into photography.
- Wear neutral-coloured clothing to avoid disturbing the birds.
- Keep noise to a minimum — even a loud phone ringtone can scare a flock away.
- Don’t leave trash behind. These ponds are home to more than just birds.
- If you meet Kishan Meena, listen. You’ll leave with more than photographs — you’ll carry a story.
Why his story matters
In the grand scheme of conservation, Kishan’s work may seem small. But every safe haven starts with one person who decides it’s worth protecting.
Because of him, the skies above Shivdashpur still fill with movement each winter. The ponds still ripple with life. And the birds — who cannot speak for themselves — still find a voice through the click of his camera.
The next time you see a bird take flight, remember — somewhere out there, someone is making sure it has a place to land.
Other stories from Rajasthan
- The Leopard Village | Bera | Rajasthan | Jawai Leopard Sanctuary
- This AMAZING town is made of SALT | Rajasthan | Sambhar Lake | Salty Paradise