‘Water the wildlife’ aims to prevent conflicts between humans and animals

KRISHNAGIRI: Hosur forest department has launched ‘Water the wildlife’, an initiative aimed at preventing human-wildlife conflict by ensuring water availability in troughs built in forest areas during summer. It has received good response from people within two days of its launch, sources said.

Recently, Hosur wildlife ranger K Karthikeyani invited people to donate to the department to celebrate special occasions in their families. The money will be used to fill water in forest areas for wildlife. “There are around 70 water tanks in seven forest areas in Hosur forest division. During the monsoon, most dams and troughs will be filled.

But during the summer, animals search for water and enter villages, which will lead to conflict. Sometimes deer crossing the road in search of water are killed by speeding vehicles. To avoid such problems, we have called on people to donate money to fill the water containers. A trough can hold a maximum of 10,000 liters of water. One tanker with 5,000 liters costs Rs 1,500. Since Saturday, five people have donated for the cause,” the conservationist told TNIE.

“The forest department sanctions funds to build troughs and check dams. Filling it with water, especially in summer, is a challenge. People can support by sponsoring to fill the water bowl on their birthdays or special occasions. On Sunday, a Bengaluru-based NGO donated Rs 30,000. Last year, they renovated two water bodies in the forest,” Karthikeyani said.

Those wishing to support the initiative can contact 9047832156 or 1800 425 5135