As the summer heat in Mysuru reaches record levels and parches the throats of not only humans but also birds and animals, a charitable trust has installed 35-40 water tanks in different parts of the city to provide relief. This compassionate gesture has been appreciated by locals and influential people, who were present during the inauguration of one such tank near Chamundi Hills on Saturday. The trust's volunteers and locals have been instructed to regularly refill the tanks with clean water and prevent breeding of mosquitoes.
The majestic Great Indian Bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds on earth, is facing an existential threat as its natural habitat in Rajasthan and Gujarat is increasingly being taken over by tall metal towers supporting high-tension power lines. With a wingspan of seven feet, this critically endangered avian species is struggling to survive in the face of multiple challenges including pollution, climate change, and competition from invasive species. As conservationists try to protect the remaining 100 birds in the open natural ecosystem, they are facing a paradoxical situation where their efforts clash with the renewable energy sector in the Thar and Kutch regions.