Heatwave: Ensure adequate availability of water for wildlife, PCCF directs DFOs

A day after an elephant died reportedly on account of heat wave conditions and scarcity of drinking water at Narsinghpur Eastern Forest Division; the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest has directed all Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to ensure adequate availability of water for wildlife during summer.

In a letter, PCCF Debidutta Biswal urged the DFOs to analyse the availability of adequate water in all beats and identify the gap areas for intervention by providing water therein.

“Excavating/ digging up of old water bodies/water harvesting structures by a few feet may result in availability of water. Further, water may be provided/supplemented to water bodies/water harvesting structures through tankers wherever required,” the letter read.

“In areas where there is acute water shortage, providing and replenishing water at regular intervals in plastic sheet-lined small concrete troughs in carefully selected localities can also be tried out. However, these should be under regular monitoring to prevent misuse,” the letter stated.

The PCCF also directed to carry out regular patrolling near water bodies, especially in remote areas to prevent erection of machans/ hides or makeshift water troughs and salt-licks to lure wild animals for poaching. 

Movement areas of animals to forest fringe or village water bodies might result in conflict situations which should be prevented by preemptive and pro-active action by patrolling and awareness drives by EDCs involving local villagers, the letter read further.

The PCCF also directed all zoos/ rescue centres and wild animal parks to have a detailed action plan to ensure that adequate arrangements are put in place to prevent adverse effects of heat wave on animals.