Kochi: Helping feathered friends in heat

Kochi: As mercury level soars and people struggle to cope with the scorching heat, many have realised that they are not the only ones suffering. Birds and animals are equally affected and initiatives have been launched to help them.

Taking a cue from bird lovers, various groups, including students, residents' associations, local bodies, voluntary organisations and IT professionals, are coming to their aid. Progressive Techies, the IT collective at Infopark, has launched #BirdBath Challenge to make the summer bearable for birds. Bowls filled with water will be placed near houses and workplaces so that birds can quench their thirst.  The initiative was launched by Premchand Reghuvaran, a techie birder, on Wednesday.

Nature lover and writer Sreeman Narayanan of Muppathadam near Aluva has launched a project called 'Jeevajalathinu oru manpathram' (a clay pot for water to birds) as part of which free earthen pots are being distributed to interested individuals and organisations.

In February last year, the Paravur municipality in association with the State Biodiversity Board had launched 'Kilikudam' for the avian friends, the first of its kind by a municipal body."Since most water bodies have either dried up or are filled, birds are left with little choice to quench their thirst. Hence it is our responsibility to provide them water which doesn't take much effort," said Suresh Mohan, a birder.