Heatwave Hits Ahmedabad: Birds in Crisis
It’s scorching out there—and the desert sky is not the only thing going dry. In Ahmedabad, the megacity that never seems to see a cool breeze, a relentless heatwave is leaving a trail of parched, exhausted birds that need urgent help.
Why the Birds are Struggling
- Water sources are vanishing: Rivers, ponds, and even roadside puddles are drying up faster than the locals can run for them.
- Heat spikes: Temperatures climb to blistering highs, turning the city into an involuntary oven where even feathered friends feel the burn.
- North‑south aridity: The entire South Asian region is facing similar droughts, prompting PM Narendra Modi to warn everyone that fire risks are on the rise.
What the Rescuers Are Doing
The Jivdaya Charitable Trust runs a dedicated Veterinary Hospital in Ahmedabad. Over the last few weeks, they’ve treated thousands of birds—pigeons, kites, and other high‑flyers— caught in this moving disaster.
Every day, rescuers dart through the crowded streets, picking up dozens of chilled, still‑alive winged travelers. “This year has been one of the worst in recent times,” says Manoj Bhavsar, a veteran bird rescuer who has spent a decade in this line of work.
How You Can Help
If you’re nearby and notice a bird that looks like it’s been to the midway point of a marathon, give it a moment:
- Check if it’s humming or flapping with effort.
- Get it to a safe spot—ideally a cool shaded area or a nearby water source.
- Contact Jivdaya or local wildlife rescue teams; many are running a volunteer hotline for urgent cases.
For the next time you feel the heat under your skin, just remember—feathered friends are feeling it too.
<img alt="" data-caption="A caretaker feeds water mixed with multivitamins to a parakeet in India, after it was dehydrated due to heat.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”3a0012a0-b46e-4017-a27f-93db487079bd” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/parakeet_reuters.jpg”/>
Vet Wisdom Goes Wild: Hospital Birds Get a Super‑Vitamin Shower
On a sweltering Wednesday, May 11, a group of animal doctors from the trust‑run hospital turned the station into a mini‑dietary clinic for their feathered friends. Feeders of tiny patients, the vets distributed multi‑vitamin tablets to the birds and even piped water straight into their mouths using syringes. It looked like a scene from a sci‑fi experiment, but it was all part of a community response to the heatwave pushing Gujarat into a crisis zone.
Heat‑Stroke Hype: The Ministry’s Call to Arms
- Special Wards: Health officials are mandating that all hospitals sketch out dedicated beds for heat‑stroke sufferers.
- Heat‑Related Hitches: From severe dehydration to fevers, there’s a push to triage every case with temperature‑related protocols.
- Temperature Tactics: Hospitals are urged to keep record of rising temps and adjust patient care accordingly.
The Big Picture: Why the Birds Needed a Boost
As the mercury climbs, even the smallest creatures feel the pressure. Birds, with their high metabolic rates, are particularly prone to overheating. The veterinary team’s quick shot of vitamins and hydration was a clever, on‑the‑spot trick to help them shell out the burn‑out before it got serious.
Humor & Heart: Doctors on a Wild Ride
Imagine a bird‑bandstand meet‑up where the staff are not only adjusting stethoscopes but are also carrying a tray of tablets. In a fantastically funny, almost baroque‑style scene, the vets treat fowl like their own personal patients—while their colleagues look on, half‑affectionate, half‑skeptical about the logistics of giving a syringe to a sparrow.
From Field to Hospital, from Feathers to Humans
Gujarat’s heat wave has made us realize that caring for wellness goes beyond human care. Whether it’s a patient or an Arabic sparrow, the common thread is: give them plenty – of water, of vitamins, of help.
