Page 57 - Man Ki Baat Nov 2024 (English)
P. 57
domesticus), are hardy birds 116th episode of 'Mann ki Baat',
that have adapted remarkably emphasising the importance of
well to urban environments efforts to bring back sparrows
over centuries. These small into our lives.
birds once thrived in cities The reasons for the decline
around the world, nesting in of sparrow populations in urban
the nooks of buildings, foraging areas are manifold. One of the
for food scraps, and enlivening primary contributors is the
cityscapes with their distinctive reduction in available natural
calls. However, as cities have habitats. As cities expand, they
grown and changed, so too often swallow up the small
have the conditions that support pockets of greenery that once
these creatures. provided a crucial source of
In India, sparrows, known food and shelter for birds. Parks
by different names like Kuruvi and gardens, once teeming
in Tamil and Pichhuka in Telugu, with plants and insects, have
have long been a cherished become rarities, replaced
part of cultural stories and by concrete, asphalt, and
daily life. However, due to manicured lawns that do little
urbanisation, these birds have to support wildlife.
become increasingly rare in Delhi, like many Indian
cities, with many children today cities, has grown exponentially
only seeing them in pictures or over the past few decades.
videos. Prime Minister Narendra The once-tangled lanes lined
Modi highlighted the issue in the with old, colonial-era buildings
and tree-shaded courtyards
have given way to
towering apartment
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