Butterfly, butterfly,
Flying so high,
Floating in the air,
Up in the sky.
As a child growing up in the serene neighborhood of Uzan Bazar in Guwahati, I was always enchanted by the sight of butterflies. Their delicate, colorful wings fluttered through our gardens and fields, creating a magical dance that filled my young heart with wonder. Common Mormons, Blue Glassy Tigers, and Lime Butterflies were regular visitors, adding splashes of vibrant color to the city’s landscape. But now, these beautiful creatures are becoming a rare sight, and it saddens me deeply.
Over the years, I’ve noticed a steady decline in butterfly populations here. The reasons are all too evident. Rapid urbanization has turned lush green spaces into concrete jungles, leaving little room for butterflies to thrive. Native plants, which once provided nectar and shelter for caterpillars, have been replaced by ornamental varieties or completely removed. This loss of natural habitat has made it harder for butterflies to find food and breeding grounds.
Climate change has also disrupted their life cycles, making survival more difficult. Pollution from vehicles and industries harms their delicate ecosystems, while excessive artificial lighting in the city interferes with their natural behaviors, especially during migration. All these challenges have pushed these gentle pollinators to the brink. But I believe there’s still hope. Small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference. By planting native flowering plants like marigolds, cosmos, hibiscus, and jatropha in our gardens, we can create safe havens for butterflies. I’ve started planting a few flower trees at home, and every time I see a butterfly visit, I feel a renewed sense of purpose.
Equally important is protecting and restoring green spaces in Guwahati. Community efforts, like creating small home gardens or terrace gardens in apartments, can make a huge difference. Limiting artificial lighting near natural habitats is also crucial to avoid disrupting the natural behaviors of these winged wonders.
Through these collective efforts, I hope that future generations will experience the same joy and wonder I felt as a child, watching butterflies float gracefully in the air with their vibrant hues. Let’s work together to bring back the magic of butterflies to our city.
Email: kakali@aaranyak.org
(The author is an official at biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak)