Dr. Dakt Prasad Dhital.
Nepalgunj/As the relentless summer sun scorches the plains of Banke and weeks pass without meaningful rainfall, the struggle for survival is not limited to humans alone. Across Nepalgunj, countless birds flutter through the heat in search of a single drop of water—often finding none.
Moved by this silent suffering, local youth and environmental enthusiasts have launched a compassionate campaign that is turning discarded plastic bottles into lifesaving water stations for birds.
The initiative, led by Mahesh Shrestha, administrator of Nepalgunj Gallery, is a simple yet powerful response to the growing water crisis affecting urban wildlife. Plastic bottles collected from roadsides and public spaces are being recycled and transformed into small drinking stations, offering much-needed relief to birds battling the extreme heat.
Saturday’s campaign brought together animal rights activist Subash Sahu and environmental campaigner Hement Raj Kaphale, who joined volunteers in preparing and installing water containers across the city.
Speaking during the program, Kaphale urged people to look beyond their own comfort during the scorching summer months.
“The heat affects every living being, not just humans,” he said. “Birds, animals, and insects are essential parts of our ecosystem. Their survival is closely connected to the health of our environment. Showing compassion towards them is not only kindness—it is our responsibility.”
For Mahesh Shrestha, the campaign began with a simple observation: birds gathering around dry areas, desperately searching for water. Concerned by what he witnessed, he decided to take action. “A small container of water may seem insignificant to us, but for a thirsty bird, it can mean the difference between life and death,” he said.
Beyond helping birds survive, the campaign also carries a broader environmental message. By reusing discarded plastic bottles, volunteers are demonstrating how waste can be transformed into something meaningful and life-saving.
Shrestha announced that similar activities will continue every Saturday, with volunteers expanding the network of water stations for birds and animals throughout Nepalgunj.
The initiative has touched the hearts of local residents, many of whom have begun placing bowls and containers of water outside their homes, shops, and workplaces. Community members say the campaign serves as a reminder that protecting nature does not always require grand actions—sometimes, it begins with a small gesture of care.
As climate change intensifies and extreme temperatures become more frequent, the Nepalgunj campaign stands as a powerful example of community compassion in action. In a season defined by heat and hardship, these simple water stations are offering more than just relief—they are offering hope. And for the birds that soar above the city searching for survival, every drop truly matters.
