Bidar youth install water bowls in forests to help wildlife beat summer heat

Bidar: As Karnataka battles a brutal summer, a collective of young volunteers from Swabhimani Geleyara Balaga in Bidar is stepping in to help wildlife survive the sweltering heatwaves.

The group is tackling severe water scarcity by installing earthen water bowls across forest areas in the district. With natural water sources drying up and temperatures soaring past 40°C, animals have been forced to migrate toward human settlements in search of water.

The community-driven initiative provides essential hydration points for birds, deer, and other wildlife struggling through the harsh summer. Volunteers regularly refill the bowls and monitor usage to ensure animals have consistent access.

“Fields have turned dry and brown, and we saw wildlife entering villages. We had to do something,” said a volunteer from the collective. Forest officials have welcomed the effort, noting that such local interventions reduce human-wildlife conflict during peak summer months. The group is now urging residents in other drought-prone areas to adopt similar measures.