World Sparrow Day: DC Kamrup (M) installs bird boxes at Dighalipukhuri

On World Sparrow Day, need for conserving urban biodiversity was the focal point with emphasis on birds as Help Earth, in association with Kamrup Metropolitan district administration, celebrated the day on March 20 by installing bird boxes in different parts of Guwahati.

“With rapid deforestation, birds are fast losing their home. To add to this, with RCC constructions replacing our age-old Assam-type houses, the sparrows and other birds are devoid of those nook and corners provided by Assam-type houses. Thus, until we voluntarily provide living space to our feathered neighbours, their stay in our locality would be very short lived,” said a statement released by Help Earth on the occasion.

Marking the day, Help Earth installed bird boxes in different parts of Guwahati. As part of the initiative, a collage of bird boxes was installed in Dighalipukhuri area to draw public attention, specially the youth, towards the cause.

The initiative was inaugurated by DC Kamrup (metro) M Angamuthu. He stressed on the need of conservation of urban biodiversity and encouraged citizens of Guwahati to take steps to protect and conserve plants and animals around them. “Guwahati has the potential to become a model city in India in terms of urban biodiversity conservation with its wide range of habitat types along with its geographic position. People involvement and awareness is the key to attain that feat,” said Jayaditya Purkayastha, general secretary at Help Earth.