Water bowls at burial grounds to help birds

The bowls filled with water have been put in elevated shelves amid flower pots so that birds could spot them more easily.

Asked why crematoriums were chosen for placing the bowls, Founder Secretary, Indian Community Welfare Organisation, A J Hariharan said birds, mainly crows visit the facility to eat the food offerings made by families of the departed as part of rituals. 

“We are happy that the birds have begun coming to drink water. We refill the bowls as and when needed,” he said and added that apart from the ubiquitous crows, other birds including parrots and pigeons also consume water from bowls. 

The Greater Chennai Corporation owned crematoriums are maintained by ICWO. Hariharan said open water cans have also been hung in trees in and around the creamatoriums.

Earthen bowls filled with water have put up in crematoriums at Anna Nagar (Velankadu), Otteri, Nanganallur, Tiruvotriyur, Kasimedu, Adambakkam and Valasaravakkam here. 

Recently, ICWO launched free wi-fi at Velankadu creamatorium here to help people stream the funeral of the departed to their kith and kin who could not attend the funeral.