Berhampur: A special programme was held Thursday at the conference hall of the Regional Chief Conservator of Forest’s office for the conservation of house sparrows and their growth.
Berhampur divisional forest officer (DFO) Ashis Kumar Behera presided over the meeting. He said sparrows are as lively as human kids. Safety of the sparrows is extremely crucial to maintain biodiversity, he added.
According to reports, 26 sparrow species are seen all over the world but their number is coming down alarmingly thanks to mushrooming of mobile towers, climate change and shortage of habitations and food. Measures are being taken for the conservation of the tiny birds, it was learnt.
Some enthusiasts of Gunthabandha village on the outskirts of Berhampur under the banner of Anchalika Vikash Parishad have been working for the conservation of this bird species over last few years. The sparrow population in at least six villages has increased significantly thanks to the efforts made by the bird-lovers. Taking note of the noble initiative, the forest department has come forward to help the youths.
As part of the drive, artificial nests and feeding bottles were distributed among volunteers of 11 blocks and wards 1 and 26 of Berhampur Municipal Corporation in the first phase Thursday. The nests and bottles would be distributed in rural areas in the second and third phases. The campaign would continue in coming days and the programme would be reviewed every month at the block level and fortnightly at village level.
Feedback of people, who are part of the drive, will be taken on a regular basis, said DFO Behera.
Noted ophthalmologist Dr B Nageswar Rao Subudhi attended the programme as chief guest and said people who are involved in protection of environment should come forward for the conservation of sparrows.
Among others Anchalika Vikash Parishad president Sagar Kumar Patra and Berhampur Sabuja Bahini president Shibram Panigrahi were present on the occasion.
PNN