Expat Creates Eco-Friendly Shelters for Stray Animals in UAE
In the heart of the UAE, a Dutch-Indian expat is making a significant impact on the lives of stray animals through her innovative project. Chiku Singh, a senior management technology consultant by day, dedicates her evenings and weekends to creating eco-friendly shelters for stray cats and dogs, showcasing how compassion and sustainability can work together.
A Passionate Beginning
Since moving to the UAE in 2021, Singh has been driven by her lifelong commitment to animal welfare. Her initiative, ‘The Green Eco Paw Project UAE,’ began in late 2022 when she recognized the urgent need for safe spaces for strays. Inspired by a makeshift feeding station she encountered in Abu Dhabi, she started crafting shelters from discarded furniture, transforming waste into life-saving structures for animals in need.
Building Eco-Friendly Shelters
Singh has successfully constructed around 100 shelters across three emirates, utilizing recycled and upcycled wood sourced from local communities. Each shelter is handcrafted at her home, where she personally designs and assembles them, often with the assistance of Jatinder, a part-time helper she met while collecting materials.
These shelters serve a dual purpose: they protect strays from the intense summer heat and provide warmth during the colder winter months. Singh emphasizes that the shelters are not just functional but also contribute to the UAE’s sustainability goals by reducing landfill waste and promoting resource reuse.
Community Involvement and Support
Singh’s project has garnered significant support from her community. After placing her first shelter in a residential area, local residents expressed enthusiasm and encouraged her to expand the initiative. She now runs a WhatsApp group for animal lovers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among those who care for strays.
In addition to building shelters, Singh collaborates with volunteers, including security guards and mosque imams, to maintain feeding stations. She provides training on proper maintenance and hygiene practices, ensuring that feeding is done respectfully and cleanly.
Sustainable Practices
The shelters are strategically placed in discreet locations to minimize disruption to residents while providing safe havens for animals. Singh emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, reminding feeders to clean up after themselves and maintain tidy feeding areas. The design of her shelters includes enclosed feeding bowls and water dispensers, which help keep the surroundings clean and reduce waste.
Singh adheres to local guidelines regarding the feeding of stray animals, ensuring that her efforts are both effective and compliant with community standards. Her commitment to responsible feeding practices reflects her deep respect for both the animals and the neighborhoods they inhabit.
A Lifelong Commitment
Singh’s passion for animal welfare began in her childhood, instilled by her parents. Throughout her life, she has consistently advocated for animals, providing food, medical assistance, and neutering services to help control stray populations. Her dedication extends beyond shelters; she has also initiated safety campaigns in her community to protect animals from traffic hazards.
Through ‘The Green Eco Paw Project UAE,’ Singh aims to demonstrate that sustainability and empathy can coexist. She envisions a future where her eco-friendly shelters are recognized as part of the UAE’s broader environmental efforts, contributing to a kinder planet for all living beings.
Future Aspirations
Singh hopes that her initiative will inspire UAE authorities to consider implementing similar eco-friendly shelters nationwide. By showcasing the potential for community-led climate action, she believes that individuals can make a meaningful difference in their environments.
FAQs
What inspired Chiku Singh to start her project?
Chiku Singh was inspired by a makeshift feeding station she saw in Abu Dhabi, which prompted her to create more permanent and sustainable shelters for stray animals.
How does Singh source materials for the shelters?
Singh collects discarded furniture and wood from local communities, transforming waste into eco-friendly shelters for stray animals.
How can community members get involved in supporting the initiative?
Community members can join Singh’s WhatsApp group for animal lovers, participate in shelter maintenance, and help with feeding stations for strays.
Conclusion
Chiku Singh’s initiative highlights the intersection of compassion and sustainability, providing essential support for stray animals in the UAE. Her efforts not only improve the lives of these animals but also contribute to the country’s environmental goals. As her project continues to grow, Singh hopes to inspire others to take action and create a more compassionate world for all living beings.
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