How a Rs 30 Bird Water Trough Project Is Saving Tamil Nadu’s Urban Birds

In urban areas of Tamil Nadu, a simple yet effective initiative is addressing the challenge of providing clean drinking water for birds amid rising temperatures and expanding concrete landscapes. This project demonstrates how low-cost, durable solutions can help sustain urban bird populations and foster community involvement.

Providing Water to Birds in Cities

As the monsoon season arrives in parts of India, the weather stays hot and humid, making outdoor conditions uncomfortable. While humans have easy access to drinking water, urban birds face challenges due to the scarcity of natural water sources. As cities become dominated by concrete structures, ponds, lakes, and streams become less accessible, creating a daily struggle for birds to find clean water.

Starting Small in Pollachi

In the town of Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, the Iyarkkaiyai Nesi (Love Nature) Public Welfare Trust took initiative to address this issue. They introduced small, sturdy water troughs costing just Rs 30 each to produce, designed specifically to provide accessible drinking water for urban birds.

The Idea Behind the Project

Founder Vetrivel explained that the project began due to the lack of convenient water sources for birds in cities. While birds can source food such as insects in urban areas, water is harder to access compared to rural regions where ponds, lakes, and fields are abundant.

Early Efforts and Challenges

About five years ago, Vetrivel started placing water containers for birds during summer, initially using repurposed oil tins filled with water and food. However, these containers rusted over time and proved unsustainable. Concerned about altering birds’ natural habits, the team developed a longer-lasting solution—a simple concrete trough designed especially for birds.

Making the Troughs Locally

The trough design utilizes circular PVC pipes, either 8 or 10 inches wide, as molds filled with a cement and sand mixture. One side is closed off to create a shallow bowl holding between 2 and 2.25 litres of water. The shallow depth allows birds to drink safely and bathe during hot weather.

Low Cost and Volunteer Help

Maintaining affordability is a priority. Each trough costs between Rs 24 and Rs 30 to produce, excluding labor. The team invests approximately Rs 18,000 for materials to produce 600 to 700 troughs. Labor is voluntarily contributed, which keeps production costs low; otherwise, each trough would cost nearly Rs 90 to Rs 100.

“Helping urban birds does not require complex tools. Often, a simple shallow bowl of clean water put in a safe place can make a big difference. The key is to keep it filled and clean.” — Vetrivel, Founder of Iyarkkaiyai Nesi Trust

Wide Distribution Across Tamil Nadu

Over the past three years, the trust has distributed more than 6,450 water troughs free of cost across Tamil Nadu. Recipients include schools, colleges, businesses, government offices, and forest departments, reflecting extensive community engagement.

Encouraging Care and Awareness

Beyond distribution, the trust runs educational programs emphasizing bird protection and care. They promote regular cleaning and refilling of the water bowls to ensure bird health. Many individuals have adopted this practice by placing water bowls on terraces and balconies, with schools actively participating by maintaining troughs daily.

Preparing Year-Round

To meet seasonal demand, the team begins production every December and distributes troughs between January and August, spanning the hotter months when birds require water most.

Students Join the Cause

Schoolchildren are enthusiastic contributors. For instance, Harigokul, a 6th grader at Eripatti Government Middle School, described how the team’s visit raised awareness about birds’ importance. He personally purchased three troughs for his home.

Another student, Mazhilan, noted that their school received hundreds of troughs, which are placed around campus and refilled daily along with supplementary food left nearby. Observing diverse bird species has become a cherished activity.

For these students, maintaining bird water troughs has become a valued daily responsibility.

A Small Bowl With Big Impact

What started as one man’s wish to assist thirsty birds has evolved into a community-driven initiative. The trust’s approach emphasizes durable water sources, affordability, widespread sharing, and fostering a culture of care.

Tips for Supporting Urban Birds

  • Use shallow water dishes suitable for birds.
  • Place them out of reach from predators such as cats.
  • Regularly clean and refill the water.
  • Avoid adding food unless it is confirmed safe.
  • Keep the water source away from polluted or chemically treated areas.

These straightforward measures enhance water safety and support urban bird populations effectively.