Residents of over a dozen villages near Vellode Bird Sanctuary have maintained a voluntary firecracker ban for two decades.
Residents of more than 10 villages surrounding the Vellode Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu's Erode district are celebrating a cracker-less Deepavali for the 20th consecutive year, according to the Hindustan Times. The voluntary ban aims to ensure a peaceful breeding season for thousands of local and migratory birds.
The sanctuary, which spans 240 acres, features a 50-acre pond that can reach depths of 30 feet. The waterbody is sustained by monsoon run-offs and seepage from the Lower Bhavani project canal. Following a dry spell, the facility was rejuvenated at Rs 2.35 crore and now includes a butterfly park, walkways, and miniature bridges.
The annual bird season runs from October to March. Domestic species like the Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, and Grey Heron arrive in large numbers, alongside migratory flocks from Siberia, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand.
To prevent noise and smoke from disrupting breeding, hamlets including Mettupalayam, Pungambadi, and Ellapalayam instituted the ban two decades ago. Local resident Kalpana told PTI Videos that the community willingly gives up firecrackers so the birds are not frightened away.
Villagers in areas such as Chellappampalayam, Koothampalayam, Vadagalpudur, and Kalarpalayam continue to celebrate the festival with sweets and new clothes. Kalpana said the community makes the sacrifice gladly to see the birds thrive.
