Bees may no longer sting you in Chennai!

CHENNAI: Bees are a vital part of the ecosystem. They help in pollination. But, in cities, people panic when they see beehives close to their living or working spaces and often, the hives are destroyed. That’s why Chennai-based animal welfare activist Shravan Krishnan decided to launch an initiative to help save the bees.
“Many people keep complaining about beehives next to their living spaces; they want to get rid of them fearing they would be stung. These beehives are destroyed either by using pesticides or smoke. The bees inside these hives also get killed during the process and this really broke my heart,” says Shravan, also a part of Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary (BMAD).
“In fact, people are spending millions of dollars to build robotic bees.”
This year, a couple of Nepali boys joined BMAD. “We saw how agile they were when one of them climbed a big tree to rescue a bird that was stuck. When I spoke to them, I realised that they are expert climbers and used to climb tree in their village to collect honey,” says Shravan, who then roped in their expertise for his initiative.
Now, when people call for help, Shravan and the boys help relocate the hives. “We try and speak to the people that the bees won’t harm them, and it is better to co-exist but, if they are not convinced, the boys climb up,” says Shravan.
“They wear masks and put the hive into a big plastic cover. If the queen bee is inside, then other bees will follow.”
Once that it done, they go to another suitable place, where they place the hive on a tree. “If it doesn’t stay, the bees may work to rebuild or create another hive but at least they are saved,” says Shravan, whose team has relocated three hives so far. “We charge only a nominal fee for the boys,” he says.
If people want to relocate a beehive without destroying the bees, then please contact 9445070909.