Youngster praised for building water ponds, feeding points for thirsty birds amid intense heat

PESHAWAR, Jun 05 (APP): As the scorching summer heat grips the region, a youngster from Orakzai district has won hearts by constructing water ponds and feeding points for thirsty birds and animals in the rugged mountainous areas of his hometown.

His quiet and selfless efforts have also earned official recognition as Conservator of Forests, Range Management Circle Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Syed Tariq Ali Shah invited the young volunteer to his office and praised his exemplary spirit of compassion and environmental stewardship.

After completing the construction and restoration of water ponds, Hajatmin Khan regularly share videos of his work on social media to encourage others to take similar initiatives for the welfare of wildlife.

“I have cleaned a dirty pond and provided clean drinking water for these speechless creatures. This was a small dream of mine that came true today. I want to restore many more such water sources in my mountains so that no animal has to drink dirty water,” Hajatmin wrote in one of his recent social media posts.

After hours of hard labour, the volunteer successfully restored the pond’s flow, clearing the water.

Upon completion of the work, Hajatmin stood at a vantage point overlooking the renovated pond as livestock and birds gathered around it to quench their thirst with the clear, fresh water.

Apart from constructing ponds, he also develops drinking and feeding points for birds and animals using discarded materials such as used plastic bottles, empty steel oil cans and other household items.

“After witnessing the dedication and hard work this young boy has shown in serving birds, animals and wildlife, I felt compelled to meet him personally and express my admiration and appreciation for his remarkable efforts,” said Syed Tariq Ali Shah.

Talking to APP, Tariq Shah said the entire Forest Department was impressed by the videos showcasing Hajatmin’s mission and dedication.

To encourage the young bird lover, he said, the department would issue him a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his services.

He further said efforts would also be made to engage Hajatmin with the Forest Department on a contractual basis so that he could help train staff in the construction of water ponds and feeding points in forest areas.

Tariq Shah said that inspired by the youngster’s efforts, the construction of water ponds has now been incorporated into the department’s official plans. He said around 100 to 200 similar ponds would be developed across the province under a rangeland project currently in the design phase.

Hajatmin Khan expressed gratitude to Tariq Shah for appreciating and encouraging his efforts for the welfare of birds and animals.

“Now this mission is not just mine. Under the patronage of senior officials of the Forest Department, it is going to become the identity of the entire province,” he remarked.

Talking to APP, Hajatmin said he had made it the mission of his life to establish drinking and feeding points for birds and animals in the mountains of Orakzai.

He said he had observed a decline in the bird population in his area due to deforestation and would therefore also focus on plantation drives and the planting of saplings.

Being unemployed, Hajatmin appealed to philanthropists and nature lovers to extend financial support so he could continue and expand his mission for the welfare of wildlife.