Deaths of hundreds of birds, bats and stray animals have been reported in Jhabua, Burhanpur and Neemuch districts. Neemuch district forest officer (DFO) S Sisodia said, “We have found that bats in our area are dying due to dehydration and heat stroke. We are making plans to save them.”

“ No one can stop deaths of bats this season as they are night dwellers and hang from trees during daytime, having direct exposure to heat waves. Probably, bats will build their roosts in cooler areas of forests next year but the current situation is hard for them,” said Ajay Gadikar, an ornithologist of Indore region.

“Many resident birds and ground-nesting birds die due to excessive heat but we can save them by setting up water resources around forests. Deaths of bats will affect the ecology as they play a crucial role in pollination and pest control,” Ajay added.

Burhanpur in-charge collector BasantKurre has instructed all agencies supplying water containers to put water pots at every part of the city. “I have urged people supplying water containers in the city to come forward for bats and birds. Other social organisations in the city are also requested to save birds and animals from heat waves,” said Kurre.

“I’ve called a meeting of sub-divisional magistrates, forest officers, PHE officers and others for an action plan. Water sources will be developed in forests while pots filled with water will be put at different parts of the city,” said Jhabua collector Anurag Chaudhary.