World Sparrow day: Sparrows healthy in Nilgiris but need care

Ooty: The population of sparrows is said to be dwindling, especially in the city limits, due to radiation pollution from mobile phone towers.

However, the good population of sparrows in the hills of Nilgiris showcases that these tiny creatures have started defying micro-wave pollution to thrive in the hills.

N. Mohanraj, adviser, WWF-India and Honorary Wildlife Warden of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, said that radiation pollution from mobile towers and habitat destruction are said to be the reasons for the dwindling population of sparrows.

“But in the Nilgiris, we can see a good population of sparrows. It could be due to the fewer mobile towers in the hills when compared to the metros. Tiled roofs in some areas in the town limits and also in village areas helps their survival, as also spilling of grains and kitchen spills in house yards that provide them a good meal,” he noted.

Pointing that the sparrow population is very healthy in the Ooty market limits due to the availability of grains and nesting sites, Mr. S. Jayachandran, joint secretary of the Tamil Nadu Green Movement, said that a detailed study was needed to ascertain whether microwave pollution really plays spoilsport with the sparrow population. “The increase in the number of concrete buildings deprives sparrows of nesting sites. So every house should have a sparrow nest box to attract the sparrow”, he added.