In an inspiring act of compassion, a 30-year-old man from Karnataka’s Bidar district has been travelling more than 25 kilometres on his motorcycle to provide water and food to birds during the harsh summer season.
Riyaz Pasha, a resident of Kollur village in Aurad taluk, has been carrying water in pots and grains such as rice and millets to Degulwadi village on the Telangana-Karnataka border, helping hundreds of birds cope with extreme heat.
A decade-long mission of kindness
The son of a farmer, Riyaz’s journey began in 2016 when he noticed birds struggling to find water near an agricultural borewell owned by his uncle.
During the farming season, birds flocked to a water container kept at the site. However, when agricultural activities stopped during summer, the container dried up, leaving birds without a reliable source of water.
Moved by their plight, Riyaz started manually refilling the container. Encouraged by the birds’ return, he expanded his efforts by placing plastic bottles, coconut shells and other water containers on trees across the area.
Lifeline during summer
His commitment grew further during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 when a stream frequently visited by birds in neighbouring Telangana dried up completely.
Determined to help, Riyaz installed nearly 50 water containers along the dried stream and has continued refilling them every alternate day during the summer months.
Travelling on his motorcycle with two pots of water, he ensures that birds have access to water until the arrival of the southwest monsoon.
Inspiring others to care for nature
A postgraduate in Social Work, Riyaz works with a non-governmental organisation in the health sector. He is also actively involved in wildlife conservation, conducting awareness programmes and rescuing injured birds and animals.
His efforts have inspired local residents to place water containers around their homes during summer.
“I find immense satisfaction in watching birds quench their thirst and feed after I fill the containers,” Riyaz said, reflecting the spirit of a simple act that has made a meaningful difference to countless birds over the years. #Bidar #WildlifeConservation #Environment #Birds #Humanity #newskarnataka
