Sparrow to become the state bird of Bihar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today announced that sparrow would be declared state bird to save the endangered species.

He made the announcement at a meeting of state wildlife council here, an official statement said.

Kumar expressed concern that the sparrows are slowly vanishining.

He said sparrow is a bird which lives near human habitations and not in jungle and makes their dwellings in urban homes.

Kumar said increase in pollution, rising number of mobile towers and pesticides in foodgrains were contributing to dwindling population of the winged beings.

The meeting decided to make special efforts for conservation of sparrows by raising awareness among masses.

The meeting also decided to raise compensation in case of death by wild animals.

Secretary of Forest and Environment Deepak Prasad said at present the compensation amount is Rs 1 lakh which the meeting decided to double.

Prasad said the meeting also decided to extend till December 2013 permission to shoot antelope which damage crops.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi was also present at the meeting.