Animals beat the heat with efforts of zoo authorities in Gwalior, locals in Chhatarpur

Gwalior, June 4 : With soaring mercury, the zoo authorities in Gwalior make efforts to soothe the animals from the searing heat, while in drought-hit Chhatarpur, locals redefine symbiotic life, by fitting water vessels on trees to quench thirst of fauna.

The authorities of Gandhi zoological park, located in Gwalior in central Madhya Pradesh have on priority basis installed thatch curtains and coolers in the cages of the animals to keep them away from the summer heat.

The animals could be seen strolling on green grass with sprinklers relieving them from extreme heat.

"To normalize the extreme temperature, we have increased green fields, which are irrigated regularly. We have also installed sprinklers which produce mist in air thereby reducing temperature. Besides, coolers have also been installed to keep the temperature of animal cages under control," said S.K Mittal, Incharge, Gandhi Prani Udyan zoo.

Moreover, the zoo management is also ensuring healthy and nutrition rich diet for the animals, relevant to extreme weather conditions.

On the other hand, people living in central Chhatarpur, a drought struck region of the state, have set an example of the sorts, by making efforts to satiate the thirst of birds and animals.

Locals here have initiated a month long drive, wherein they have placed earthen vessels and tanks at about 120 locations in the entire region. These vessels are either hung from a tree or are placed in an approachable area so that water can be easily available to the birds and animals in the region.

"See the speechless animal cannot ask for water to quench their thirst. Besides, the birds are significant part of biotic life and their contribution is equally important to nature. Our committee decided to do something for them. We started this drive a month ago in the entire Chhatarpur, wherein we have placed earthen water vessels and tanks at various locations," said Pawan Mishra, local.

The locals informed that due to excessive lack of water, the animals and birds have lost their lives and few have started migrating to other places.

The shortage of water during the summer months is a perennial problem in several regions of Madhya Pradesh, and the growing population has only added to the woes.

The federal government has announced a special relief package of rupees 10 billion for the drought-affected regions of Madhya Pradesh to tackle the crisis. By Ashok Pal

ANI