Bantwal students support birds with food and water

Students at Carmel High School in Bantwal, Karnataka, are helping birds stay hydrated in the hot summer. They have started a project called ‘Chinv Chinv’, translating to ‘Chirp Chirp’. This initiative has been ongoing for five years and aims to support local wildlife during the rising temperatures. Under the guidance of Roshan Pinto, a science teacher, 117 out of 250 students have joined the campaign. They place coconut shells filled with water and food grains around the school and in their homes. So far, 252 locations have been set up for this purpose. The students have strategically positioned these eco-friendly feeders in trees and other areas where birds often visit. "Birds that come to drink also eat the rice grains," said Pinto. Interestingly, they have even spotted snakes drinking from these shells. To keep the project running during school breaks, teachers and support staff refill the feeders. Students are also encouraged to monitor these stations at home and take pictures of the visiting birds. Additionally, the Green Future Association, led by Pinto, has worked on digging 117 percolation pits to help recharge groundwater.