World Sparrow Day: Telangana’s Grassroots Efforts Revive Falling House Sparrow Numbers
HYDERABAD: As the world marks World Sparrow Day on March 20, environmentalists have raised concerns over the steady decline of the common house sparrow. Once a familiar sight in Indian homes, the bird is now rarely seen in urban areas.
World Sparrow Day was instituted in 2010 by the Nature Forever Society of India in collaboration with France’s Eco-Sys Action Foundation. The initiative aims to promote biodiversity conservation. The government had also released a postal stamp featuring the bird, recognising its ecological importance.
Urbanisation Driving Population Decline
The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) has an average lifespan of about three years. It once thrived near human settlements, feeding on grains and nesting in rooftops and small crevices.
However, rapid urbanisation has reduced its habitat. The loss of nesting spaces and increased use of chemical pesticides have further impacted its survival.
Community Efforts Show Signs of Revival
In the tri-cities of Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet, the Maharshi Goshala at Chinthagattu has started a campaign to install artificial nests. Its president, Sajjana Ramesh, said the initiative includes distributing 1,000 nests sourced from Chennai. These nests are filled with paddy stalks and grains.
“It is alarming to see birds and their nests gradually vanish. This slow destruction of nature demands urgent attention,” he said.
Urban neighbourhoods are also joining the effort. The Dwarka City Welfare Association reported the return of sparrows after residents installed nests and placed grain stalks on balconies.
Citizens Take Simple Steps to Help Birds
In Karimnagar, Ananthula Ramesh, known as ‘Pichuka Ramesh’, has created a safe habitat for nearly 400 sparrows in his courtyard. He has installed water stations and cooling arrangements to help birds during summer.
In Ramagundam, Kiran and Aparna have been feeding sparrows with nearly 8 kg of millets every month for the past seven years. In Godavarikhani, MD Asif and Parveen have set up water fountains using cooler motors to provide water during peak heat.
Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference
Bird lovers have urged citizens to take simple steps to protect sparrows. These include installing feeders, placing shallow earthen water pots and reducing the use of chemical pesticides.
They say consistent small actions can help restore biodiversity and bring back sparrows to urban spaces.
