Citizens, Panaji corporation to help quench thirst of strays

PANAJI: As the summer approaches, sugarcane juice and tender coconut stalls are seen at every nook and corner to help provide relief from the scorching heat. However strays on streets are left with little or no option to quench their thirst and this is especially true in urban settings.
In a welcome initiative called ‘water for voiceless’, good Samaritans from the city have joined hands with the Corporation of the City of Panaji to place large bowls of water in parts of Miramar, Dona Paula, Bambolim and Taleigao at locations where packs of dogs are often seen.
“Water is one of the most basic needs for survival and thanks to the efforts of the Panjim Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and ‘water for voiceless’, stray dogsalong the Miramar beach and beyond will have access to clean water bowls,” said Panaji mayor Rohit Monserrate.
Sourced from a Ponda-based potter, 23 bowls in small, medium and large sizes holding three, five and ten litres of water have been placed at various spots across the city and its suburbs. “This water is not just for dogs but also for squirrels, ants, bees, cats and cattle. Attention has been paid to ensure that insects and animals of all sizes have access to clean water in the summer,” Albert Fernandes, coordinator, ‘water for voiceless’ project told TOI.
To ensure hygiene, Drishti lifeguards will be refilling the bowls and keeping them clean at Miramar beach, while the Taleigao panchayat has been tasked with doing the same in their jurisdiction. Meanwhile volunteers associated with the project will be cleaning and refilling the bowls at Dona Paula. The cleaning implements have been provided to them by PAWS.
The volunteers will also be distributing the water bowls to those in the city that are willing to be a part of their cause by maintaining them outside their residences or at public spaces.
“The vision is to involve every house in this project so that people everywhere keep these bowls and help quench the thirst of animals while also ensuring non-stagnation of water,” said secretary, PAWS, Sweta Sardessai.