Bidar, 5 April

With temperatures soaring to around 40°C in Bidar, the scorching heat is taking a toll on both people and wildlife. The intense sun has dried up lakes, leaving animals and birds in desperate need of water. In response, the Swabhimani Geleyara Balaga, a youth group from Bidar, has launched an initiative to provide relief by setting up cement water troughs in forest areas.

For the past five years, the group has been constructing small cement water troughs in wildlife-rich areas like the Chitta, Devavana, Bellura, and Chitguppa forests. These troughs are regularly filled with water, helping to quench the thirst of wild animals such as deer, squirrels, and various birds, including sparrows and crows. The group also distributes earthen water bowls in urban areas to provide drinking water for birds and small animals.

"We have installed around 30-40 cement ponds and 1500-1800 earthen bowls annually. These come in two sizes—3 litres for birds and 180 litres for larger animals," said Ayyappa, a member of the group. They refill approximately 500 litres of water twice a week at these sites, benefiting over 100-300 animals and birds.

The initiative has garnered attention from local residents and wildlife enthusiasts. Videos of wild animals and birds drinking from these water points have been widely shared on social media, giving the group recognition for their efforts.

Vaanathi Murugesan, Deputy Conservator of Forests, noted, “Each year, water is supplied to cement troughs in forest areas to quench the thirst of wildlife. This year, we’ve constructed 16-20 ponds and refill them with water every 20-25 days.”

Despite initial struggles with resources, the group remains committed to their cause. "We do this because we love the forest," said Chandu Padashetty, a founding member.