Bangalore Feb 10: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) today launched a programme that every Bangalorean would love to see it come to fruition. The programme entitled "Baanadi gale marali banni Bengalurige" (Birds, comeback to Bangalore) is a total forest regeneration project according to the Deputy Conservator of Forests at the BBMP S.Shekar. The first "bird conservation spot" at Gayathridevi Park in Rajajinagar was launched today.

The Forest Cell, with the help of nature and bird lovers of the locality, has created artificial nests for birds on the trees of the park to attract birds. Separate areas to offer grains to birds, sandbathing area and artificial ponds made up of granites have also been provided in the park at a cost of one lakh rupees.

Mr. Shekhar said that the present generation of Bangalore was missing many common bird varieties like the sparrow due to lack of congenial atmosphere. Sparrows need tile-roofed houses and open wells, which have almost disappeared from the city.

Similarly, more than 200 varieties of birds have also disappeared from the city as the city has been converted into a concrete jungle and with the increase of air and noise pollution. Earlier, 300 of the 800 bird species of the southern parts of the country were seen in Bangalore, pointed Mr. Shekhar.

He said the BBMP would be happy to create more "bird conservation spots," preferably at least one in every ward, but it required support of the people of the respective localities. Parks with trees bearing fruits, flowers, nectar would be more conducive for creating such spots, he added

Our Correspondent