Patna: On World Sparrow Day, the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Bihar, organized a special program at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, commonly known as Patna Zoo. The event was inaugurated by Minister Sunil Kumar and Secretary Bandana Preyashi. During the program, the minister urged people to actively participate in sparrow conservation and environmental protection. He launched the campaign ” हर रविवार – पर्यावरण के नाम ” (Every Sunday – in the Name of Environment), encouraging citizens to plant trees weekly.
The Nature Education Library was visited during the event, aimed at spreading awareness about biodiversity and conservation. Speaking about the importance of sparrows, Minister Sunil Kumar emphasized that these birds are an integral part of the ecosystem and serve as a reminder of human responsibility towards nature. He shared that a flock of over 50 sparrows regularly visits his residence in Biharsharif, highlighting the importance of maintaining biodiversity even in urban areas.
The minister called on Bihar’s residents to contribute to achieving the state government’s goal of 17% green cover by 2028. He suggested that every family plant a tree in the name of their relatives every Sunday, turning this initiative into a mass movement. He expressed confidence that collective efforts in tree planting and conservation would transform Bihar into a greener state in the coming years.
Experts at the event discussed ways to protect sparrows, such as installing nest boxes, providing food and water, and preserving biodiversity. The Bihar government also launched the “Gauriya Bihar” mobile app, designed to inform citizens about sparrow conservation and involve them in the campaign. To spread awareness, a street play was performed at the open theater complex, engaging environmentalists, students, and the general public. Participants took a pledge to create a sparrow-friendly environment in their homes and surroundings.
Padma Shri Sudha Varghese, Secretary Bandana Preyashi, PCCF (Hoff) Prabhat Kumar Gupta, Patna Zoo Director Hemant Patil, along with senior officials and employees of the department, attended the program, reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental conservation.
