Environmentalists, bird watchers and women pledged to protect sparrow species as part of World Sparrow Day celebrations held in Kakinada on Friday. Several women drew rangoli with rice flour in the early hours, symbolising a traditional and eco-friendly way of feeding birds.

Speaking on the occasion, Kakinada District Forest Officer N. Ramachandra Rao reminded citizens of their responsibility to conserve sparrows and ensure availability of water during the summer months. The programme was organised by Eco Plant Nursery and Garden Mart at Sri Vidya Colony in Kakinada, in association with Visakhapatnam-based NGO Green Climate.

Swachh Andhra Corporation Director Nagalakshmi called for a concrete action plan to address the threats faced by sparrow populations. JNTUK former Vice Chancellor K. V. G. Muralikrishna emphasised the need for wider awareness on sparrow conservation. Ornithologist K. Mrityunjaya Rao urged people to devote time towards protecting migratory birds.

Civil Supplies Corporation Director Kadali Eswari, A. P. Nursery Growers Association State president Akula Chalapathi Rao, and Green Climate founder-secretary J. V. Ratnam were among those present.