World House Sparrow Day on March 20

In Vadodara,activists have ordered as many as 2,500 nests made of cardboard,while in Surat,as many earthen pots will be distributed among the residents. In Velavadar,activists have taken the help of potters to make special nests for the house sparrow. The local activists plan to carry out several awareness programmes on March 20.

Vishal Thakur of Canine Group said: “We were happy when we came to know about the World House Sparrow Day. We will inform the people to create a conducive environment for the house sparrows so that they can build their nests.”

The activists have decided to manufacture nests specifically designed for the small birds. “Along with these nests,we will also keep track of all the people to whom we have given the nests. At the end of the year,we will conduct a survey to know what exactly happened to the nests,which birds nested in the boxes,and what was the success ratio. This will help us carry forward the campaign next year too,” Thakur added.

Nasik-based Mohammed Dilawar,who initiated the movement,said: “Our intention is not to celebrate the day just for the sake of celebration. That is why we have chalked out a plan of action and decided small steps that could easily be taken by the common man. Unless there is awareness among the common people,the house sparrow numbers will continue to dwindle. One can celebrate this day by going out on a picnic and doing some bird watching.

Activist Shrenik Shah from Velavadar has taken the help of a potter to design a nest for the sparrows. “I have asked the potters to use the traditional potter’s wheel to make the nest. It will be the sort of a box with a small lid and the entry will be kept small to allow only a bird of the size of a sparrow. This is because sparrows prefer a safe place to build their nests,” he said.

The Surat-based NGO,Prayaas,has decided to weave in the house sparrow concept in their mega-campaign to save the birds during the summers. “We will distribute as many as 5,000 pots for the birds. As part of that campaign,we will also convince the people to take steps to provide a protective environment to the sparrows,” Darshan Desai of Prayas said.