New Delhi, March 19: From the tranquil mornings in villages to the bustling streets of cities, the sweet chirping of sparrows once echoed everywhere. These tiny birds would often visit homes uninvited, creating memorable moments with their flocks. However, today, they have nearly vanished from our surroundings. In many areas, sparrows have become a rare sight. To raise awareness and protect these birds, World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on March 20.
World Sparrow Day was initiated in 2010 by the bird conservation organization ‘Nature Forever.’ It is now observed in over 50 countries. The main goal is to inform people about the rapidly declining sparrow population and to take steps for their conservation. In 2012, Delhi declared the sparrow its state bird, further emphasizing the importance of this issue. Though small in size, sparrows play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They help control pest populations by feeding on insects, benefiting crops and the environment. Additionally, they assist in pollination and seed dispersal, playing a significant role in maintaining biodiversity in both rural and urban areas.
In India, sparrows are more than just birds; they are part of our culture. Known as ‘goriya’ in Hindi, ‘kuruvai’ in Tamil, and ‘chirya’ in Urdu, they have spread joy in homes for generations. However, their numbers are alarmingly decreasing. Several factors contribute to this decline, including urbanization, which has led to a lack of nesting spaces in modern buildings, replacing old walls and roofs with concrete. Pollution also plays a role, as toxic substances from lead-free petrol kill the insects that sparrows rely on for food.
Increased pesticide use in agriculture has reduced insect populations, leaving sparrows without food. Additionally, the rising numbers of crows and cats, a decrease in green spaces, and lifestyle changes have further impacted their survival. Despite these challenges, numerous efforts are underway to save these little birds. The Save the Sparrow campaign, supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2017, is one such initiative.
The Kudugall Trust in Chennai has facilitated the construction of over 10,000 nests by school children from 2020 to 2024, helping to boost local sparrow populations. In Mysore, Karnataka, the Early Bird program connects children with birds through libraries, activity kits, and birdwatching trips in villages. Individuals can also take small steps to help save sparrows, such as providing food and water at home, planting trees, reducing pesticide use, and creating safe nesting spaces.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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