Page 59 - Man Ki Baat Nov 2024 (English)

Further, rapid urbanisation rooftop gardens, planting native
also affects Sparrow’s ability trees and shrubs, and reducing
to communicate. Sparrows pesticide use. Even simple
and many other birds rely steps like adding bird feeders or
on their songs for mating, creating 'wild corners' in public
territory defense, and social parks can make a significant
interactions. However, the noise difference.
pollution of city life—created For sparrows to once again
by traffic, construction, and fill the city with their songs,
industrial activities—interferes urban dwellers must act with
with their ability to hear one intent and compassion. By
another. Studies have shown fostering environments that
that sparrows are forced to sing prioritise biodiversity, creating
louder and at higher pitches to green spaces, and promoting
be heard over the noise, which eco-friendly practices, we can
can lead to stress and disrupted rekindle the harmony that once
mating behaviours. thrived in the cityscape. The
In response to these challenge is not just to bring back
challenges, there have been the sparrows, but to recognise
various efforts to address the the interconnectedness of all
decline of sparrow populations in living things and nurture a future
urban areas. Community-driven where cities are as alive with
initiatives like 'bird-friendly' nature as they are with people.
urban planning have gained Only then will the city, in all its
traction. These include creating concrete glory, truly sing.

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