Say bow-bowfor a clean bowl

We’re already feeling the pre-summer heat. And so are over two lakh stray animals that live on Mumbai’s streets. But their access to water, unlike us, is by and large restricted to gutters and dirty puddles that dry up in no time.

The result — thousands of stray dogs fall ill or simply die of dehydration every summer. A disconcerting thought, even for those usually indifferent to animals.

This is precisely why US-based Sarita Raturi and Sharmee Bhatt from Mumbai have initiated the Water Bowl Project. As part of the project, cement bowls will be placed outside buildings and shops, and volunteers will take turn to clean and fill water into the pots once a day. And it doesn’t cost a rupee.
“These water bowls are being given free to every animal lover who promises to fill them once daily and clean them when required.

The idea is to at least make fresh water available for every homeless animal before summer sets in,” says Sarita Raturi, managing committee member, In Defence of Animals (IDA).

While Raturi manages the orders and follows up on them from her home in Atlanta, US, Bhatt handles the making, distribution and delivery of the pots in the city.

So far, 300 bowls have been given out across the city, most of them in the western suburbs from Dadar to Kandivli. From diligent shopkeepers to residents to office goers, the campaign is garnering support from all quarters.

“I have 200 orders already in place right at the onset of summer,” says an excited Raturi.

While the pots come free to you, each pot costs Rs100. “If need be, one can fix the pot to the ground with a cost of Rs10, buying loose cement and water. That and the maintenance of the pot which is barely anything, is all that’s needed,” says Bhatt.

The project started on a small scale last year with the help of a couple of volunteers who offered a helping hand with a total of five bowls. “The animals were so thrilled with the water available that it seemed like a wonderful idea to continue,” says Raturi.

From 5 to 300, and more orders pouring in as the word spreads, Raturi is happy to see the project get a boost. And to her surprise, she’s got emails even outside of Mumbai.

“The model is being replicated by small groups of animal lovers in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Goa,” she says. And this is exactly what the duo had set out to do. The farther the reach, the better.

Reviving a tradition of compassion

During summer, urban animals and birds have lesser access to clean drinking water. This can lead to dehydration and even be fatal. Keeping these conditions in mind, it’s an excellent idea providing water to thirsty urban animals through the Water Bowl project.

It also takes care of not inconveniencing people as the bowls will be located in places within easy reach of the animals and they would not hinder or block pathways and thoroughfares for pedestrians. The public health and hygiene aspect is also taken care of by ensuring that volunteers take responsibility for every bowl and change water on a regular basis.

Offering water to the thirsty has always been a part of our rich culture and tradition, whether for humans or animals. In fact, the chabutras in Gujarat, especially in the old city of Ahmedabad, are good examples where people leave food and water for the birds. The chabutras were once symbols of our concern towards the weak and helpless life forms.  Closer home in Mumbai, water tanks were built by private citizens in Camp Maidan (now Azad Maidan) in the early 19th century, to provide drinking water for animals.

In present times, in addition to the Water Bowl project, citizens can take this one step forward by putting a water pot in their balcony, terrace, or window sill for birds to quench their thirst. The thirsty animals and birds will always be grateful, especially in the coming summer months and we would revive the tradition of being concerned about these creatures.
Abodh Aras, CEO, WSD

We are happy to maintain water pots

Every morning I ensure that the pot outside my shop is cleaned and filled. Afternoons are when the dogs congregate to sip on the water. Sometimes new customers get freaked out seeing a group of dogs. And at times the strays bark at customers when they try acting funny. But I think it’s a good initiative.  It doesn’t cost you a rupee, except some water.
Vicky Tulsani, owner, Masti Maharaja, kulfi shop, Kandivli

Dogs cannot survive long without water. And they have no access to fresh water. Most drink from gutters and get diseases like gastroenteritis, jaundice and distemper. I have already placed 75 bowls with the support and co-operation of shopkeepers, building security watchmen, garageowners, hotelowners, dhabawalas, and  people living in MHADA homes or rowhouses in Charkop, Kandivli. It’s a delight to see street dogs, crows, pigeons, sparrows all drinking water from these bowls.
Gargi Gogoi, animal welfare activist

I called in for 20 pots and volunteers from my organisation placed them between Dadar and Bandra outside our offices and buildings. It’s nice to see that even birds drop by occasionally. Some  people refused to keep the pots, citing dog menace as a reason. But it’s not as if dogs will only drink water all day long.
Shirley Advani, founder-president, Save our Strays

Shouldn’t be a hinderance

I would love to fill the pots with water. I have a dog at home and I know how much water he needs in summers. Many people may object to this initiative as it may attract a lot of dogs at one place. I would still suggest two bowls at the same place, one for water and the other for food. It’s important for the dogs to be taken care of and I will definitely pitch in.
Ruchika Agarwal

I appreciate the the Water Bowl Project. The very idea of putting up cement pots around various nooks and corners in the city is simple yet refrshing. I see no harm in it. I think the project wiill do good. If the pots don’t disrupt the path or come in anyone’s way, then it serves its purpose  well. However, I just hope that the pots aren’t turned into garbage bins.
Aanchal Saigall