Bhubaneswar, March 20 -- World Sparrow Day was observed across Odisha on March 20, drawing attention to the declining population of sparrows due to rapid urbanisation and changing landscapes. Once a common sight in both rural and urban areas, sparrows are now gradually disappearing as traditional habitats give way to concrete structures.

Observed annually since 2010, World Sparrow Day aims to promote awareness and encourage efforts towards the protection and conservation of the species. Environmentalists and citizens alike have stressed the urgent need to safeguard sparrows, whose numbers have been steadily falling over the years.

Various initiatives are being undertaken across the state to support sparrow conservation. These efforts fo...