Bhubaneswar: With the mercury soaring, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to deploy three truck-mounted water tankers to provide drinking water to stray animals across the city.The water tankers, with a capacity of 5,000 liters each, will be stationed in the three administrative zones — north, south-west and south-east — and will operate for a period of three months during the peak summer season.The tankers will be used exclusively to refill the water vats installed at different locations to ensure a steady and hygienic supply of drinking water for stray dogs, cattle and other animals.According to BMC, the civic body has already placed several water vats at identified public spots where stray animals usually congregate. “The tankers will ensure a fresh supply of water on a daily basis so that the vats do not run dry,” mayor Sulochana Das said.The initiative is part of the corporation’s annual summer preparedness plan aimed at mitigating heat stress among stray animals. The tankers will be deployed on a rental basis and will operate under the supervision of the concerned zonal offices.Civic officials said rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves have made access to drinking water critical for animals living on the streets. “This is a welfare-oriented step to prevent dehydration and distress among strays during the hot months,” the mayor said.BMC has also appealed to the residents and animal welfare groups to cooperate by ensuring that the water vats are not misused and by informing the nearest zonal office if any vat requires refilling or repair.“Like humans, animals too need water during the scorching summer. BMC has already placed water kiosks for people and this time they have ensured hygienic water supply to animals as well, which is a great initiative,” Abhijit Sahoo, an animal lover, said.
