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Jagran City Plus. 26 January 2011
Ray of hope for disappearing sparrows
The very zealous and caring youth from Mumbai started a mission to save the chirping beauty that has been declining. Once upon a time our morning alarm was this little sparrow's lovely chirping voice, but now it had been replaced by electrical bells. And we are the reason behind it.
"We humans destroyed the habitat of these birds under the name of beautification and development; we replaced our old type home into buildings & skyscrapers, small shops into mall & shopping centres, cut trees for widening of road or making parking place, due to which sparrows lost their everything that is home (nest), food as well as the place where they use to play and we use to enjoy their movements.
"And another reason is the mobile towers which release microwaves. It not only affects these little sparrows but are also bad for our health," says Sunish Subramanian, founder of Plant & Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), Mumbai, a non-profit organization. Their motto aptly reads: "Together we can, and we will make a difference."
The young volunteers of PAWS have designed an artificial nest, which is made up of recycled wood and they have named it as "My Sparrow Home". It not only gives the sparrows a home but also gives them their own address too.
Disappearance of the nature's bounty could be said to be a side effect of these changes. They thrive to not defy the change, but to take measures against the side effects of the change. To protect the unprotected, to protect the sidelined. They take this chance to make the days better for one of our unheeded friends, the Sparrow.
With the response they have received from the various developing cities so far, they believe it will become a major movement very soon.
"You can install the My Sparrow Home near your garden, balcony or window after seeing the population of sparrow in that area. Do not expect that sparrows will build their nest immediately. Once they visit the shelter a couple of times and feel it is safe, they will then build their nest. We have to be patient," informed Sunish Subramanian.
Many celebrities are associated with this movement. Carlyta Mouhini, an Indo-Latin Bollywood Pop singer and a journalist says, "As a concerned citizen we all should support this initiative by getting 'My Sparrow Home' and using this wonderful nest to help save the sparrows".
Actress Pooja Bhatt says, "The house sparrow is in grave danger of disappearing if we do not take an initiative and provide it with a safe habitat and "Home". I implore you to save the sparrow by installing A "My Sparrow Home" as soon as possible, just like I have!"
Sambhavna Seth says, "It is our duty to raise our helping hand to save the chirping sparrows for a better future".
Sanjay Patil, Member of Parliament who recently gifted My Sparrow Home to his wife, says, "I support PAWS-Mumbai because I believe they can bring the change for the better. This mission to save sparrows is an honest and well deserving effort on their part".
Suresh Shetty, Minister from Maharashtra State says, "I was surprised to see the small wooden box which they have designed as "My Sparrow Home" to give artificial nest to the disappearing sparrow population from the city. I really think it is today's need to keep ecological balance. I appeal to the citizens to support the cause to save our chirping beauty who really need our helping hand".
Get in touch with PAWS by contacting them on +91 22 25968313, e-mail at mysparrowhome@gmail.com
–Farvi Motiwale
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