Introduction: Birds Struggle for Water in Cities

As the monsoon arrives in parts of India, the days remain hot and humid. For people, grabbing a glass of water is simple. But how do birds find water in cities filled with concrete and few natural spots? In places where ponds, lakes, or streams are rare or hard to reach, birds face a big challenge. During hot months, finding clean water becomes hard.

A Simple Solution to a Growing Problem

In Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, a group called the Iyarkkaiyai Nesi (Love Nature) Public Welfare Trust decided to act on this problem. They created a simple yet effective solution: small water troughs for birds that cost only Rs 30 each to make.

Idea Origins: Water Scarcity for Urban Birds

Founder Vetrivel told The Better India that their concern was about birds lacking easy water access in cities. Birds can get food from insects and nature, but water is harder to find in urban areas filled with buildings and limited greenery. In rural regions, ponds and fields make water availability easier. But in cities, natural water spots are almost missing.

Starting Small: Reusing Containers

About five years ago, Vetrivel started putting water out for birds during summer. At first, he reused empty oil tins by cutting them open to fill with water and food. But these tins rusted quickly, so they weren’t good for long-term use. He also worried that giving food often might change how birds feed naturally. So, the team looked for a stronger, better way to give water.

Creating the Concrete Troughs

They designed simple troughs made of concrete just for birds. The team uses 10-inch and 8-inch circular PVC pipes as molds. They pour a mix of cement and sand into them, sealing one side to make a shallow bowl. Each trough holds about 2 to 2.25 liters of water. They are shallow to keep birds safe while drinking or bathing, especially in summer heat.

Cost and Production

Making each trough costs between Rs 24 and Rs 30, covering materials like sand, cement, and paint. With about Rs 18,000 worth of supplies, the team can produce 600 to 700 troughs. This price excludes labor because volunteers make them. If labor was counted, the cost would rise to Rs 90 to Rs 100 per trough. Volunteering helps keep expenses low and production high, explained Vetrivel.

Over 6,450 Troughs Distributed

In the last three years, the trust has given out more than 6,450 water troughs for free. These went to schools, colleges, businesses, government offices, and forest departments all over Tamil Nadu.

Ongoing Community Efforts

The team does more than just hand out troughs. They run awareness programs about bird protection and encourage people to clean and refill the water bowls regularly.

“Helping birds in cities does not need complex solutions. Sometimes it is as simple as placing a shallow bowl of clean water in a safe spot and keeping it full.”

This work inspired many others. Individuals began placing water bowls on their terraces and balconies. Schools got involved, with students helping maintain and fill the troughs. Starting in December each year, the team prepares troughs for the summer and distributes them from January to August.

Students Join the Cause

Schoolchildren are active supporters. Harigokul, a Class 6 student, said the team visited his school to teach why birds matter and how to help. He bought three troughs for his home and grandmother’s house. “It feels good to help birds,” he shared.

Mazhilan, another student, said their school put hundreds of troughs across campus. They fill them daily and sometimes put out leftover food. Watching many types of birds visit has been amazing for the students. Maintaining these troughs became a small but important part of their daily life.

A Simple Bowl Sparks a Bigger Movement

What started as one man’s effort has grown into a community project. The approach is clear: create affordable, sturdy water bowls; distribute them widely; and get people to care for them.

Vetrivel’s team shows that small steps can help more people care for the wildlife around them.

Tips for Keeping Bird Water Safely

  • Use shallow water.
  • Put it where predators or cats can’t reach.
  • Clean and refill the bowl often.
  • Avoid adding food unless recommended.
  • Keep bowls away from polluted or chemically treated places.

These small actions can make a big difference in keeping urban birds healthy and hydrated.