As Gujarat battles soaring summer temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius, a city-based organisation has come up with an innovative way to help thirsty birds survive the harsh heat — a solar-powered 'water bowl tower' that provides a continuous supply of clean drinking water.
Traditional Practice Gets a Technological Upgrade
Every summer, residents place earthen bowls filled with water on rooftops, balconies and public spaces to help birds cope with the scorching conditions. This year, however, the initiative has been upgraded with technology aimed at ensuring cleaner and uninterrupted access to water.
How Pakshi Jal Setu Works
Named Pakshi Jal Setu, the tower consists of multiple earthen bowls arranged vertically on a metal frame. Water stored in a container at the base is pumped to the topmost bowl through a small motor. As the upper bowl fills, excess water flows through connected pipes to the bowls below, creating a constant circulation system.
The project's creator, Dharnendra Sanghvi, said the idea was born out of concern for birds struggling to find safe drinking water during peak summer.
"The water keeps circulating through a filtration system, which removes impurities and prevents contamination. Since the water does not remain stagnant, the risk of infection among birds is also reduced," Sanghvi said.
Solar-Powered Independence
A major feature of the tower is its solar-powered motor, allowing it to operate independently in open spaces without electricity connections. Organisers said the system is suitable for parks, public areas and residential colonies where bird activity is high during summer afternoons.
"With a wish to do something better for birds, I thought of creating a tower. Later, friends suggested using solar energy to run the motor," Sanghvi added. He said each tower costs around Rs 15,000 to build.
Plans for Expansion
The organisation now plans to install the towers at selected locations and encourage citizens to support bird-friendly water initiatives as extreme heat conditions continue across the state.
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About the Author
Yagnesh Bharat Mehta is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Times of India, based in Surat, where he primarily covers business, civic affairs and politics. With an experience spanning more than two decades, he has reported extensively on migration, rural and tribal life, crime and the courts. He is passionate about data-driven journalism, particularly in analysing trends in the global diamond trade.
