Chennai, Nov 8:
In a remarkable demonstration of environmental awareness and community participation, residents of more than 10 villages surrounding the Vellode Birds Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district celebrated Deepavali without bursting firecrackers on Sunday, continuing a conservation tradition for the 21st consecutive year.
The villagers have voluntarily refrained from using firecrackers to protect thousands of resident and migratory birds from noise and air pollution during the festival.
The initiative, which began over two decades ago, has gradually become an integral part of Deepavali celebrations in the villages.
Children have enthusiastically embraced the practice, avoiding noisy crackers and limiting their celebrations to sparklers. Families celebrated the festival by wearing new clothes, exchanging greetings and participating in traditional festivities.
Some residents who wished to burst crackers reportedly visited relatives living away from the sanctuary to ensure that their celebrations did not disturb the birds.
Located approximately 10 kilometres from Erode town, the 240-acre Vellode Birds Sanctuary was established in 1996 and is among Tamil Nadu’s officially recognised protected bird habitats.
Unlike several other sanctuaries, Vellode does not have adjoining woodland. Its ecosystem revolves around the Periyakulam Lake tank, which provides feeding, nesting and breeding grounds for numerous bird species.
The sanctuary attracts migratory birds from different parts of India and abroad, particularly during the March-October breeding season.
Species recorded here include the bar-headed goose, black-tailed godwit, Eurasian spoonbill, spot-billed pelican, Western marsh harrier and blue-tailed bee-eater.
Although villagers reported relatively fewer birds this season, their commitment to protecting the sanctuary remains unchanged.
The continuing initiative has emerged as an inspiring example of grassroots conservation, demonstrating how communities can preserve wildlife while celebrating traditional festivals without compromising their festive spirit.
