Peshawar  -  In a move to cater to the water needs of birds amid the prevailing heatwave and to reduce its impact on the avian population, Secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department, Shahid Zaman, has issued directives to officials to ensure the provision of water pots and drinkers.

Terming the initiative the “Birds’ Summer Care Drive”, Secretary Climate Change stated that as human beings, it is our religious and moral responsibility to mitigate the effects of rising summer temperatures on these vulnerable creatures.

Officials have been directed to place water pots in various locations such as balconies, homes, offices, open spaces, lawns, gardens, and rooftops to help birds quench their thirst.

The appeal has also been extended to the business community, academic institutions, and civil society at large, urging them to join this summer campaign and contribute by placing water pots in urban areas, especially near their workplaces, to ensure easy access to drinking water for birds.

A communication issued in this regard reads: “The famous story of the Thirsty Crow, taught in early education, resonates with today’s environmental reality across the biodiversity network of birds and animals.”

With the onset of summer, birds and animals become increasingly vulnerable to drought conditions, especially when there is little to no rainfall. Our feathered friends often struggle to find natural water sources, and limited water availability combined with intense heat can lead to heatstroke and increased mortality among fauna.

The once-symbolic story of “A thirsty crow” now reflects a broader reality for birds everywhere, as drought conditions, reduced groundwater recharge, and water scarcity become increasingly common.

The Secretary emphasized that the climate crisis does not affect humans alone—birds and animals are equally impacted. In such a scenario, we, as superior beings, can make a meaningful difference through simple, practical steps, as we share our environment with them.

Humans have the intelligence and resources to cope with extreme heat, but there remains a dire need to adopt precautionary measures—especially for outdoor workers and children—to stay hydrated during the summer.

This initiative, focused on providing affordable water solutions, stems from the realization that birds and animals roam in search of water, often leading to heatstroke, stress, and death among fledglings and offspring due to dehydration and water scarcity.

“The time of the Thirsty Crow has come again,” the message concludes. “This time, they need our help. Providing them with easily accessible water sources will not only support their survival and well-being but will also serve as a lasting act of kindness—Sadqa Jaria—for the life hereafter.”