It is said that, 'Birds are indicators of anything that's going to change in the environment. If they are in trouble, we know we will soon be in trouble.'

With gigantic steps of development and urbanisation, people are forgetting about the other creatures that share space with us in the ecosystem. There are handful of people who have addressed the cause of environmental protection and upheld the idea of co-existence. Amongst those few people is Prince Mehra, who started the first- of-it's-kind bird ambulance around Chhatisgarh.

During a visit to Ferozepur in 2011, Prince Mehra had come across the carcasses of two pigeons disposed of in a roadside dustbin. The birds had died of electrocution and were disposed in the dustbin.

Mehra took out both carcasses and buried them in a nearby pit.

The incident had however led him into a shock. He then decided to do something for the birds in distress. He also contemplated over the environmental concerns that may arise due to the careless disposal of the dead birds. There are chances of disease spreading in the area which can pose a serious threat to both animal and human health.

When he returned to Chandigarh, Mehra modified his bicycle and started an ambulance service. This ambulance would dedicate it's services to the birds in distress. It has been eleven years that he has been looking after injured birds and is giving a dignified burial to the carcasses. His services earned him the title of the 'Birdman' and he became so popular with that identity that whenever a bird was found in distress, people used to contact him.

The 52-year-old pedals around the city with the cycle that is now equipped with all the necessary medical aid. Whenever a bird is found in some distressing situation, he either tends to it or takes it along home. If the bird is found to have severe injuries, he takes the bird to the animal husbandry hospital where the latter works. In unfortunate cases, when the birds don't survive, he digs pits on the roadside and buries the carcasses.

Since 2011, Mehra has treated 1,150 birds and given a dignified burial to about 1,254 birds. He received recognition, acclaim, and awards for the same from the State Government of Chandigarh. Extending support to his efforts, a nationalised bank also gave him an e-bike, which he now uses to provide ambulance services.

The report released by various organisation reveals to us that Mehra was earlier associated with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and had been working for environmental concerns since the decade of 90s. He used to appeal to people with slogans about environmental protection.

Doing something for the environment gives him immense satisfaction. He has also been supported by his family in his endeavours.

Throughout the journey, Prince Mehra often asked the people to ensure that the birds and animals are protected. They are an important part of the ecosystem and it is on us to take common responsibility towards sustaining it well.

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Reference:

• thelogicalindian.com
• newsindianexpress.com