Light pollution driving birds away from Jamshedpur

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, May 29: Jamshedpur is grappling with a new menace: light pollution. Over the past two decades, light pollution has surged across the country due to rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and a lack of regulations governing night time illumination. This proliferation of artificial light poses a significant threat not only to humans but also to avian populations. Research conducted by Sushant Kumar Verma from the Zoology Department of Guru Ghasidas University Bilaspur and Thakurdas Murmu from Jamshedpur, published in the Public Library of Science Journal, sheds light on the alarming impact of light pollution on birds.

The study reveals that the birds once abundant in Jamshedpur are now migrating away from the city, primarily due to light pollution and noise pollution. The relentless glow of streetlights, bright residential premises, and high mast lights at intersections contribute to the city’s elevated level of light pollution, measured at 56,6000.301 milli watts per square centimeter—far exceeding the natural nocturnal environment’s ideal darkness.

Birds, which naturally seek darkness at night, struggle to find suitable nesting environments amidst the city’s illuminated landscape. Moreover, the felling of large, fruit-bearing trees exacerbates the problem, depriving birds of vital nesting sites. The research identifies the disappearance of trees like banyan, peepal, and tamarind, crucial for nest construction, as a significant contributing factor.

Comparatively, Jamshedpur fares better than metropolitan cities in terms of light pollution. However, its SOL (Sum of Light) remains notably higher than states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Kerala. While light pollution in Jamshedpur registers at 56,6000.301 milliwatt per square centimeter, Kerala records a mere 19545.798 milliwatts per square centimeter, indicating a stark contrast in lighting conditions.

The adverse effects of light pollution extend beyond avian migration. Excessive light and noise from vehicles disrupt birds’ communication, hindering their breeding patterns. Species like the cuckoo struggle to communicate, leading to adverse impacts on breeding success rates.

Light pollution, characterized by excessive artificial illumination at night, not only disrupts natural ecosystems but also poses health risks to humans. The incessant glow of urban areas obscures the night sky, making it challenging to observe stars and celestial bodies.

The consequences of light pollution are evident in the declining bird populations within Jamshedpur. Species like the Kapasi Kite, Small Sparrow, Common Kingfisher, and others are disappearing from the cityscape, their life cycles disrupted by the relentless glow of artificial light. As avian habitats diminish, urgent measures are required to mitigate the detrimental effects of light pollution on both birds and humans.

Dr. Swati Soren, Head of the Zoology Department at Jamshedpur Co-operative College, underscores the importance of addressing light pollution to preserve the city’s biodiversity and ecological balance.