The searing heat has been taking its toll on people, plants, as well as animals and birds. A group of volunteers have taken it upon themselves to ensure that fewer animals and birds go thirsty this summer. They are distributing containers for free so that more people can join them in their mission.
The ‘Water for voiceless’ initiative, which was started in March this year, has seen citizens come forward in thousands to do their bit to feed water to birds, cows, dogs, and other animals.
Praful Maun, one of the volunteers, said they had so far distributed 2,200 pots across the city. Though the initiative — which is the brainchild of Sunny Jain, a resident of Tumakuru — was active in cities such as New Delhi, Pune, and Coimbatore last year, the volunteers had to remain focussed on Bengaluru this year owing to constraints in resources.
“Mr. Jain started this a few years back as he had a dream that animals in the country should not go thirsty during summer. We are all helping him out,” said Mr. Maun.
The volunteers are distributing cement pots in two sizes — one for birds and smaller animals such as dogs, and another for larger animals such as cows. There are distributing them in 12 centres, including Ulsoor, HSR Layout, HBR Layout, Yeshwantpur, and Peenya, with each centre having volunteers chipping in time and effort to maintain and distribute the pots.
The most number of pots, Mr. Maun said, had been distributed in the Indiranagar/Domlur centre — around 500. Cement pots were chosen over terracotta pots as they are sturdier. Pictures of thirsty animals and birds drinking from the pots have been coming in in hoards from those who have taken them, he said.
“On Tuesday, for example, someone came from Marathahalli and took home a pot. They sent a photo of dogs drinking from the pot a few minutes after they placed it,” said Mr. Maun.
Those interested may call Mr. Maun on 93433 01707.