In And Around New Delhi, 20% Of Native Birds Remain - Others Have Fled, Died From Pollution

[hatrack]

If you thought rising pollution was harming only humans, give a thought to our winged friends. The deteriorating air and water quality in the National Capital Region ( NCR) has forced many species to disappear altogether, while the rest are facing extinction.

Ornithologists claim only 20 per cent of birds that earlier existed are now present. The rest have either migrated towards open, cleaner areas or have died. "Birds are very sensitive. They can thrive only in clean air and require highly clean water. Any contamination leads to their death in 90 per cent of cases.

Like humans, they are susceptible to diseases and are infected with similar ailments," Parichit Gautam, ornithologist and director of the fresh water and wetlands programme, WWF India, said. "At almost all bird sanctuaries, the number of birds is fast depleting. Even at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary along Delhi, the number of birds coming from Central Asia has reduced," he added.

"Of 100 cases that come to my notice, 80 per cent suffer from ailments caused by air pollution.

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