The ecological imbalance in today’s fast changing world was not only posing a threat to the existence of house sparrows but also for humankind, volunteers said at a meeting here on Monday.
Encroachment of green space, use of insecticides and pesticides, increase in pollution levels and radiation from cell phone towers has effected the reproduction of these birds. Social activist and editor of Green Climate journal J.V. Ratnam along with his team has identified 180 places in the city such as railway station, Peda Waltair, in and around Andhra University and other slum areas where the sparrows visit regularly.
“We want to spread the message of need to protect sparrows in the city. We are also planning to place artificial nests to support the reproduction of the sparrows during this month,” he said.
Earlier, nesting was never a problem as every house used to have a backyard and enough greenery to attract these species. Now, with the apartment culture on the rise, these birds hardly find space to build their nests, said G. Raghu Ram of Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee. While the older birds feed on grains, the younger ones peck on worms and insects. Due to increased use of pesticides, carbon emission and industrial pollution, these sparrows are pecking on insects that are carrying chemicals in them.
So, care should be taken to bring down pollution, said former Energy Secretary E.A.S. Sarma after launching a poster to save the sparrows.
Social activists Vimala, P.V. Ramana and G. Krishna Rao, journalist Yugandar Reddy, State vice-president of POW M. Lakshmi and others participated.
Those who want to offer tips or be part of the year-long campaign can contact the team on 9948833010 or 9640569182 or send their suggestions to protectsparrow@gmail.com or greenclimatenews@gmail.com.
