Jamshedpur Faces Rising Threat of Light Pollution, Impacting Avian Populations

Light pollution in Jamshedpur disrupts bird habitats and poses health risks, with urgent measures needed to mitigate its effects.

Research highlights the significant impact of light pollution on birds in Jamshedpur, with species migrating away due to excessive artificial illumination.

JAMSHEDPUR – Jamshedpur is facing a concerning problem of light pollution that has increased significantly in the last twenty years. This is mainly due to the rapid growth of urban areas, development of infrastructure, and a lack of adequate regulations on nighttime lighting.

A study conducted by Sushant Kumar Verma from Guru Ghasidas University Bilaspur and Thakurdas Murmu from Jamshedpur, which was published in the Public Library of Science Journal, sheds light on the concerning effects of light pollution on birds.

According to the study, the presence of light and noise pollution in Jamshedpur has caused a decline in the bird population that was once abundant in the city.

The excessive amount of artificial light in the city, coming from streetlights, residential areas, and high mast lights, is a major factor contributing to this issue. The level of light pollution is measured at 56,6000.301 milliwatts per square centimeter, which is well above the desired level of darkness during nighttime.

It can be challenging for birds to find suitable nesting spots in Jamshedpur due to the bright lights that disrupt their natural preference for darkness at night.

The situation is worsened when large, fruit-bearing trees, which are crucial for nesting, are removed.

Certain types of trees like banyan, peepal, and tamarind, which are crucial for building nests, are unfortunately vanishing, leading to a decrease in bird populations.

In comparison to metropolitan cities, Jamshedpur has relatively lower levels of light pollution. However, its Sum of Light (SOL) is still considerably higher than that of states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Kerala.

The level of light pollution in Jamshedpur is significantly higher at 56,6000.301 milliwatts per square centimeter, while Kerala experiences a comparatively lower level of 19545.798 milliwatts per square centimeter.

The overwhelming amount of artificial light and noise emitted by vehicles has a significant impact on the communication of birds, ultimately disrupting their natural breeding patterns.

Certain species, such as the cuckoo, encounter difficulties in communication, which can have an effect on their ability to successfully breed.

Light pollution has a negative impact on both the environment and our well-being. It disturbs the balance of natural ecosystems and can even have adverse effects on our health. Additionally, it hinders our ability to appreciate the beauty of the night sky and makes stargazing a challenging task.

It is clear that the declining bird populations in Jamshedpur have had noticeable consequences, as species such as the Kapasi Kite, Small Sparrow, and Common Kingfisher have vanished from the cityscape.

Addressing light pollution is crucial to preserving the biodiversity and ecological balance of Jamshedpur, according to Dr. Swati Soren, the Head of the Zoology Department at Jamshedpur Co-operative College.

It is crucial to take immediate action to address the harmful impact of light pollution on birds and humans.