Bandipur National Park (India) covers an area of ​​912 square kilometers and has 418 water holes. With daily temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, Bandipur has dry leaf vegetation. Water holes appear during the rainy season and gradually disappear when summer comes. Last year, the absence of southwest monsoon and severe drought left many wildlife species short of drinking water.

One solution to providing water for animals is to build solar-powered wells. The management board has installed 47 solar-powered wells, providing water for animals in the national park.

With daily temperatures expected to rise, evaporation will increase and many waterholes will dry up. Small reservoirs or solar-powered waterholes will keep wildlife hydrated.

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Solar water pumping system in the forest. Photo: HD

Ramesh Kumar, Director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, said that if required, more borewells could be installed to increase water supply. Solar-powered pumps are also effective in replenishing water, helping animals quench their thirst and get through the tough times in summer.

These solar pump powered borewells are additionally installed in areas prone to severe water shortages like Omkar, Kundgere, Hediyala, etc.

Similarly, in Nagarahole National Park, although not as severe as Bandipur, authorities installed 26 solar-powered pumps to help animals avoid water shortage.

However, the installation of solar pumps in the reserve has received mixed reviews. Conservationists say it will impact wildlife populations.

On the other hand, the government believes that if there is a shortage of water, wild animals will move to human settlements to find water. The forestry department encourages the identification of water supply points and the installation of boreholes for wild animals in the forest.

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(According to The Hindu)