As we bid farewell to 2024, we are proud to have concluded the year with a meaningful event, furthering our mission to support animals in need. On December 31st, 2024, AWBP Trust successfully organized its 140th on-field event, coinciding with our 9th “Drive for a Cause” initiative. This event exemplifies our commitment to addressing the challenges animals face due to human actions and neglect.
The Venue: Bachupally’s Waste Collection Point
After thorough site evaluations, we identified a waste collection point in Bachupally, Hyderabad, as the focus of this event. This location is a daily destination for various animals, including cows, dogs, and birds, who come in search of food to satiate their hunger. For some animals, this waste site has become a makeshift home. Heart-wrenching scenes of cows traveling over a kilometer with their calves to forage among the waste highlight the dire situation. These animals’ struggles vividly illustrate the consequences of human negligence, which has destroyed and polluted their natural habitats.
Addressing the Immediate Need: Providing Clean Water
Understanding the immediate need for clean water, our team reached the site at 10 AM equipped with water bowls. Despite initial resistance from site supervisors, who cited a lack of water access, we successfully convinced them to place two bowls. The supervisors agreed to fill the bowls by sourcing water from elsewhere. This was a significant step, considering the site’s isolation and the challenges animals face in finding clean water and food.
Expanding Our Efforts: Collaboration with Telugu University
In addition to our work at the waste collection point, we visited Telugu University, where we engaged with officials to address the needs of the campus’s wild and domestic animals. Despite the presence of these animals, there was no provision for clean water. After meaningful discussions, university officials agreed to place several water bowls and committed to maintaining them daily. This collaborative effort is a promising step toward improving animal welfare within the campus.
Achievements of the Event
- Distribution of Water Bowls: We distributed 18 water bowls across different locations.
- Community Engagement: Interacted with approximately 20 individuals, raising awareness about the importance of providing clean water and food for animals.
- Building Networks: Established connections with government officials overseeing the waste collection point and an environmental engineer from Telugu University.
Future Plans
We plan to revisit the waste collection site and meet with its supervisors to discuss long-term solutions for improving conditions for the animals frequenting the area. Additionally, we will collaborate further with professionals from Telugu University to develop sustainable measures for supporting wild animals year-round, starting with the provision of clean water.
A Call to Action
We urge the community to reconnect with nature and take responsibility for the welfare of animals. Providing food and clean water at accessible locations can prevent animals from resorting to waste dumps, where they risk consuming contaminated food and harmful plastic. As humans, it is our moral obligation to rectify the harm caused to their habitats and ensure their well-being.
Gratitude and Reflection
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and encouraged our efforts. This event not only marked the end of 2024 but also reinforced our resolve to create a better world for animals. Let us move forward with hope, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a difference in 2025 and beyond.
Team
The event was led by Lakshman, with strong support from Lokesh. Their unwavering dedication and effort were instrumental in its success. We deeply appreciate their commitment to interacting with, educating, and convincing people to take meaningful steps toward helping more animals in the community. Their work exemplifies compassion and determination, inspiring others to contribute to this important cause.