This nature-loving family living in Belapur has come to the rescue of many thirsty birds this summer. The Bhandare family of four living in Belapur are doing a bit on their own to help the thirsty birds in their vicinity by arranging for small water holders at regular intervals. Gajanan and his wife Archana with their sons Kshitij and Kaustubh have started this mission since the summer has take toll over the state.

Bhandares are putting up water holders made of used bottles in Belapur jungle and Parsik mountain range. As of now this family has put up more than 60 holders. What interesting is the bottle used for water holders have been picked up from the jungle itself and in a way the family is also trying to clean up the place adored with nature. 

Instead of wondering about what could be done during vacation, the family aims utilise this time of the year in a novel way and think about the habitat around us.

Many bird species live in the forest like bulbul, mynas, golden orioles. These birds can now have sigh of relief in this scorching heat as they can drink water from these specially designed bowls of water filled by Bhandare family. The bowls are set up at 4km stretch from the foothill connecting Belapure and Khargar service road. It connects tribal hamlets like Phanaswadi and Chaphewadi.

By keeping water bowls at regular intervals it will help birds from getting dehydrated in summer. 

Bhandares informed that as of now they have put up around 60 such water bottles and fill them up daily during our morning and evening walks. They will soon increase the number of such bottles to cover the entire hill. 

The family has another plan to make water available for birds— by digging small pits, cover them with plastic sheets and pour water in them. Their next big challenge is to make the mountain range plastic free.