Pushpa Gujral Science City celebrated World Wildlife Week by
organizing two webinars on World Habitat day and Birds at Science City which
were attended by about 200 students from different educational institutions of
Punjab.
Dr. Neelima Jerath, Director General, Science City, giving
introductory remarks at the occasion said that birds are the most beautiful and
important co-inhabitants of human beings on the earth and constitute an
integral part of the ecosystem. They render several ecosystem services being
pollinators, seed dispersal agents, natural biological agents for pest control,
providers of protein rich food and some of them act as scavengers. Birds are
intelligent species and exhibit cultural, social and variety of courtship
behaviors through their songs and dances.
“They also have an important aesthetic value. She informed
that 1357 bird species have been reported from India out of which about 400
bird species are found in Punjab. However changes in climate and habitat can
adversely affect them, hence the need to provide proper habitat to these
beautiful birds” she said, adding that PGSC
was getting a bird survey of its campus conducted through World Wildlife Fund.
Mr. Rakesh Khatri, Nest Man of India, Founder Eco Roots
Foundation, Delhi was the key Speaker during webinar on World Habitat Day who
has been recognized by Limca Book of Records for making the maximum number of
handmade nests. He delivered a talk on “Save the Sparrows: How to build a
nest”.
During his talk, Mr Khatri said that House Sparrow is one of
the most ubiquitous birds and is one of the most familiar winged companions of
human beings. The population of house
sparrows is on decline and one of the main reasons for decline is the loss of
habitat due to changes in the environment and modern lifestyle. Further, he
informed that Eco Roots Foundation has initiated a step to save these birds by
making handmade birdhouses. Till date,
more than 125000 jute nests and 40,000 tetra pack nests have been made.
Ms. Gitanjali Kanwar, Coordinator-Rivers, Wetland and Water
Policy India Harike wetland said that Birds are an important part of urban
wildlife. Urban birds are showing significant change in species composition and
numbers compared to the last few decades which was mostly due to anthropogenic
activities/set-ups and their impact on biodiversity. Further, she made a
presentation of 65 birds surveyed till date at PGSC campus. She emphasized the
need to organize nature walks for the students to Science City to make them
learn about different bird species, their identification, voices etc.
Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director Science City said that birds
help in maintaining the ecological balance as these feed on small insects and
act in the natural pest control process. The heritage trees at Science City
also provide natural habitat for the birds, he added.
