More than 10 Tamil Nadu villages observe cracker-free Diwali to protect birds
Residents near the Vellode Bird Sanctuary in Erode have avoided firecrackers for 21 years to prevent disturbing migratory wildlife.
More than 10 villages surrounding the Vellode Bird Sanctuary in Erode district have celebrated a cracker-free Diwali for 21 consecutive years, according to a Times of India report.
The local residents avoid bursting firecrackers because the smoke and sudden flashes can disturb migratory birds. In these villages, children have voluntarily opted for sparklers or no crackers at all, while families celebrate by wearing new clothes and preparing festive food.
The sanctuary, located about 12 km from Erode town in Vadamugam Vellode village, covers 77.185 hectares. It is centred around a freshwater lake called Periyakulam, which is sustained by rainfall and the Lower Bhavani Project canal system.
The Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission identifies the site as part of the Central Asian Flyway and records 148 bird species there. The wetland provides a habitat for over 20,000 waterbirds, including species such as pelicans, storks, herons, egrets, ibises, terns, ducks, and cormorants.
The sanctuary attracts birds migrating from the Himalayan region, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Australia. It was declared a protected area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, on February 29, 2000.
The participating villages include Vadamugam Vellode, Sellappampalayam, Pungambadi, Mettupalayam, Ellapalayam, Semmandampalayam, Karukkankattu Valasu, Koothampalayam, Vadagalpudur, and Kalarpalayam.