As temperatures soar past 41 degrees Celsius, residents across Greater Noida and Noida have come together to provide relief to both people and birds through community-driven initiatives.
Water Pots at Key Locations
At Pari Chowk, the main intersection in Greater Noida, residents have installed three large earthen pots filled with cool drinking water for commuters and visitors braving the heat. Similar arrangements have been made in green belts across Greater Noida West, along with the installation of sparrow nests to help birds cope with the extreme weather.
"To meet the needs of the public, the pots will be replenished daily with approximately 30 to 35 20-litre bottles of water," said Manjeet Singh, a resident of Greater Noida. The effort has drawn support from members of the Active Citizens Group, including Manoj Singhal, Harinder Bhati, Manoj Garg and others.
Bhati highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that such drinking water points provide much-needed hydration during peak summer. He also suggested expanding the effort to other locations. "This is the much-needed relief required for commuters as the temperatures are soaring these days," he said.
In a related effort, residents of Greater Noida West have placed earthen water containers in green belts outside Greenarch Society near Ek Murti Chowk in Sector Techzone 4. Similar setups have also been reported in Noida sectors 51, 34, 27 and other areas.
"The summer heat is at its peak and rising every successive day. In this situation, it's the daily commuter, especially the daily wager, e-rickshaw pullers, or people on their way to work who can benefit from the water and remain hydrated," said Sanjay Singh, a resident of Greater Noida West.
Sparrow Nest Campaign
Alongside these measures, a local community group has launched a campaign to install safe nests for sparrows in green belts and surrounding areas, particularly in Techzone 4.
Rashmi Pandey, who is heading the initiative, said, "The campaign is not only about providing shelter to birds but also serves as a vital public awareness effort regarding environmental stewardship. Our actions towards nature reflect our responsibility and sensitivity to the world around us."
Other participants, including Sarita Singh and Ruchi Jain, said providing nests is a meaningful gesture in the face of rapid urbanisation. "The initiative aims to also promote biodiversity and foster a stronger awareness of environmental issues in the community," said Jain, adding, "The nest is the bird's right, and its protection is our duty."
