A farmer in Karnataka provides vital support to wildlife by supplying water to a parched creek

Life itself is made of water. Every life is sustained by it. In Karnataka, where temperatures may reach 40 degrees Celsius, most of the once-plentiful water sources have become mere echoes of their former selves. People digging deep into Mother Earth to get water, private tankers, and serpentine lines outside public faucets have all become commonplace sights.

But as humans, we often overcome these challenges and come out on top. However, not every living being is that lucky.

The animals and birds are the silent victims of these unusual summer months, struggling to locate even a drop of water. However, there is still hope since there are saviors sent by God who satisfy the hunger of these animals in diverse ways.

Govind Gundappa Gundkal, a farmer from Masalikatti village in Kalghatgi taluk of Dharwad district, is 62 years old, and he is one such angel. To aid livestock, birds, and other creatures, Govind has been pouring water from his borewell into the village’s parched stream. He has been doing this for the last three years without ever wanting attention or recognition.

In an interview with The New Sunday Express, Govind described the moment that inspired him to do this action. “My calves and I used to go to the brook that was next to our property. But the creek dried up three years ago. To relieve my farm’s cattle’s thirst, I utilized water from my borewell. But I saw other animals visiting the stream and leaving without taking any water with them,” he continues, adding that this really got to him and made him decide to pump water into the stream from his borewell.

According to him, the creek is typically dry from February through the summer and only comes life during the monsoon. I provide water to the stream for about four months each year from my borewell. I’ve connected ten pipes to the stream from my borewell. Dad of two Govind adds, “I supply water for almost four hours every day.” Govind just has a little plot of land, therefore his crops only need the water from his borewell.

Maruti, Govind’s son, described an event that profoundly affected his father. One day, the creek dried up and Govind observed a deer coming back without any water to drink. At that point, he made the decision to feed the stream water from our borewell. For the last three years, he has been doing this. Our 1.5 acres of land can be sufficiently irrigated with water from our borewell. Four acres of land that we have leased are also irrigated,” adds Maruti.

Govind has gained many fans as a result of his deed of charity.

A cattle-raiding Gouli tribal villager claims that Govind’s act has also lessened the likelihood of human-animal conflict. Govind’s provision of water to the stream benefits not just livestock but also wild wildlife. A forest surrounds the creek. Because Govind provides our people with water that satisfies their thirst, wild animals avoid coming into our hamlet in quest of water. We hear about clashes between people and animals all around the state. But because of Govind, the tale in our village is different,” he claims.

Another local claims that a lot of shepherds camp close to the creek. The area is perfect for grazing, and the creek provides water for our animals. “More people ought to think of such creative ways to aid animals and birds,” said an other Gouli community member.

Parusuram Yattinguda, district secretary of the Sugarcane Growers’ Association, stated that after hearing about Govind’s good act, they congratulated him. “We have been to the farmer’s field and the brook. In the summer, the creek provides for up to 700 cattle heads in the community, he said.

Govind says he is committed to carrying out his admirable mission because he believes that nature belongs to all people, not just themselves.