Project to bring back birds to Bangalore

The Forest Cell of Bangalore City Corporation has begun putting up artificial nests for birds on the trees in the parks in a bid to attract birds that have deserted the City after its rapid transformation into a bustling metropolis.

As many 300 out of the 800 species of birds found in south India had made Bangalore their home till a decade and a half ago, particularly the ubiquitous sparrow. Now, not only have the sparrows become conspicuous by their absence, atleast a 100 other varieties of birds have just disappeared from the City, much to the concern of environmentalists.

The transformation of Bangalore into a concrete jungle and the rising noise and pollution levels has been attributed to the missing of many common varieties of birds. Particular concern has been expressed for the disappearance of the sparrows, which are normally found perched on tiled roofs of houses and near open wells.

“Houses with tiled roofs have now given way to high-rise apartments. The roads are bursting with honking vehicles that emit smoke from their exhaust. The situation is not congenial for birds”, said Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bangalore City Corporation S Shekar.

Hence, the Bangalore City Corporation has launched a unique project “Birds, Come Back Bangalore” with a view to attracting the birds by creating a congenial atmosphere for them.

The municipal staff with the help of nature lovers and bird watchers has already created nests on trees in Gayathri Devi Park in Bangalore’s Rajajinagar. “Separate areas have been created for offering grains to birds and for sand-bathing. Artificial ponds made of granite slabs have also been created in the park”, Shekar said.

The municipal authorities are planning to create such bird conservation spots in at least 100 such parks spread across Bangalore.