Desperate measures

Water crisis forces forest officials to set up artificial ponds at RNP::

Authorities in Uttarakhand's Rajaji National Park have created artificial lakes and ponds to make water available to animals during the scorching summer. The shortage of water is so severe that the national park's water bodies have dried up, and some animals have died. According to M.S. Negi, Range Officer of Rajaji National Park, acute water shortage is posing a serious threat to animals, as they have to walk long distances for it.

"Less rainfall during the monsoon and no rainfall during the winters have caused this shortage of water. Water sources are on the verge of drying. Due to this, there is a huge problem of water for the animals and if there is no rainfall in the next few weeks then it will be a big problem for them," said Negi. "We have made arrangements (for the animals). We have dug ponds with JCP machines and made water available for the animals, so that they don't have to go out of the forest," he added. The Rajaji National Park is spread over an area of 820 square kilometers and is home to 23 species of mammals and 315 species of birds, which include Asian elephants, tiger, king cobra, panther, Bear, Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, Kakar, Python, Monitor Lizard, Wild Cats and many more.