Vashi: On the occasion of World Sparrow day, Vashi based Divya Vaibhav Gaikwad Foundation organized a special event to raise awareness about the declining sparrow population and the need for conservation efforts.
The event, titled “A Tribute to Nature’s Tiny Messengers”, took place at the Senior Citizens Club – Nandadeep, Sector 8, Vashi, on Thursday drawing nature enthusiasts, environmentalists, and local residents.
The initiative highlighted the crucial role sparrows play in maintaining ecological balance. Experts at the event explained how urbanization, habitat loss, and pollution have significantly impacted sparrow populations, urging citizens to take small but effective steps such as setting up bird feeders, planting native flora, and reducing pesticide use.
“We are setting up bird houses in each of the gardens in my ward. Additionally earthen bowls were placed and the same has been done across the tree belts. We do this every year wherein we not only set up new houses , the broken ones are replaced,” said former corporator Vaibhav Gaikwad.
The gathering featured interactive discussions, educational displays, and personal anecdotes from attendees who recalled childhood days when sparrows were a common sight. “These birds are essential indicators of our environment’s health. By protecting them, we are also protecting our own future,” said a resident and participant Ashish Baldev.
The foundation has procured a large quantity of grains which is regularly supplied to the gardeners and even to morning walkers to refill the bowls.
As a symbolic gesture, attendees installed birdhouses and feeders around the venue to encourage sparrows to return to urban spaces. The event concluded with a collective pledge to promote bird-friendly environments and spread awareness about sparrow conservation.
“I love to hear the chirping of sparrows so I have hung feeder bowls and it has been consistently attracting the birds,” said a resident of Nerul Rida Khalid.
With growing environmental concerns, initiatives like this serve as a crucial reminder of the small yet impactful steps individuals can take to protect biodiversity. The Divya Vaibhav Gaikwad Foundation aims to continue its conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations will still wake up to the cheerful chirps of sparrows.
