MUMBAI: Young Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar is not just a talented actress but also a passionate advocate for the environment and animal welfare. She also started a foundation last year, The Bhumi Foundation, a non-profit advocacy platform that operates nationally to tackle issues related to the environment.

Bhumi is now embarking on a new noble project to provide relief to animals from the sweltering summer heat! Bhumi is concerned about how birds and animals are finding it difficult to cope with the ongoing summer and how often they struggle to gain access to water and suffer from heatstroke, dehydration, and fever, often causing extensive damage to brain cells and vital organs, leading to seizures, comas, and even death.

Through The Bhumi Foundation, Bhumi plans on installing scores of water bowls in Mumbai to aid animals in need. These bowls will serve as essential sources of hydration for birds and animals struggling to find water and can also be a place where they can cool off too!

Bhumi says, “While we can voice our discomfort during the heat, innocent creatures suffer in silence. I feel it's important that we understand their plight and take care of the animals and birds around us. Regular access to clean water prevents dehydration, reducing the risk of strokes and other health issues. This simple provision supports their well-being in challenging environments.”

Through this initiative she wishes to urge everyone to add water bowls in their societies or neighbourhoods. Bhumi adds, “It is important that each one of us take responsibility for providing aid to the birds and strays in our areas. If cumulatively we all add water bowls in our societies and neighborhoods – it will go a long way to help them. It can be a simple DIY container outside your balcony or society gate for birds and animals to get access to them.”

Bhumi, along with her team and some volunteers she will be placing water bowls in her area and will organise volunteers to do so across the city.