Amid Scorching Heatwaves, This Bengaluru Company Did Something Unexpected

Bengaluru: Amid rising temperatures and intensifying summer conditions, an unusual scene on April 25 near Old Airport Road drew the attention of commuters and local residents. A small group of people were installing bamboo structures along the roadside, carefully placing earthen pots with water. The setup was simple yet deliberate and stood out against the usual rush of the area.

While the activity initially appeared routine, curiosity among onlookers led to questions about what was unfolding and why. It was then the purpose behind the effort became clear.

The initiative was undertaken by the Greater Bengaluru Authority under the guidance of Vijay Nishanth and DFC Sudarshan G. K. They implemented it with the support of employees from Rego, a Bengaluru-based car rental and employee transportation company. According to those present in the initiative the effort began after employees noticed birds frequenting the area but struggling to find water during peak heat hours.

“We started seeing birds come in regularly, especially during the afternoons, but there was no water available for them. That’s when we thought of placing some containers,” said one of the employees involved.

What began as a simple step soon evolved into a more organized initiative. As part of the drive, bamboo structures were provided to employees to set up near their respective office locations,

where mud pots filled with water were suspended to help birds stay hydrated. The design ensures that the water remains cool and accessible during extreme heat conditions.

Over time, the effort expanded beyond a single location. The initiative is now active across 20 locations in Bangalore, including Banaswadi, Koramangala, Manyata Tech Park, Whitefield, Jayanagar, and Old Airport Road.

Employees at each of these locations have taken responsibility for maintaining the setups, ensuring that water is regularly replenished, particularly during peak summer hours.

In addition to providing hydration points for birds, the initiative also includes efforts to treat and maintain bug-affected trees

within the surrounding areas. Sources said that guidance from Vijay Nishanth has supported these efforts,ensuring that affected trees are properly medicated and preserved.

Rego, known for its employee transportation and car rental services, has also been gradually focusing on the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its broader sustainability approach. While the current initiative is independent of its operational services, employees noted that it aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to promote environmentally responsible practices.

The activity has drawn attention from passersby, some of whom paused to observe the setup. “It’s not something you usually notice in the middle of a busy area. It’s a small effort, but it stands out,” said a commuter who witnessed the activity near Old Airport Road.

Environmental observers note that such localized initiatives can play a role in supporting urban biodiversity, especially during extreme weather conditions. With limited water sources available in densely built areas, even small hydration points can provide relief to birds during the summer months.

As the heatwave continues across the city, the initiative has quietly gained recognition for its simplicity and intent, highlighting how small actions at the workplace level can contribute to addressing immediate environmental challenges.