Anamalai Tiger Reserve Prepares for Summer Over 200 Artificial Ponds Cleaned and Filled
As summer approaches, authorities in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve are taking significant steps to ensure that wildlife has access to a steady supply of water. The Forest Department has cleaned and refilled over 200 artificial ponds spread across the reserve to meet the increasing water demands of the animals in the hot months. This large-scale effort, which spans both the Pollachi and Tiruppur Divisions of the reserve, is an essential part of the park’s summer preparedness strategy.
The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, relies on both natural water sources such as streams and reservoirs, and man-made interventions like artificial ponds, to maintain the well-being of its inhabitants. With the approaching summer heat, natural water levels in streams and rivers begin to decline, which can create a dire situation for animals. The reserve’s management has responded to this challenge by ensuring that these ponds are cleaned and replenished with water, thus ensuring that the wildlife continues to have access to vital hydration.
In the Pollachi Division, a significant amount of cleaning was carried out in the Pollachi, Valparai, Ulandy, and Manambolly forest ranges. These ranges have artificial ponds strategically located near the Aliyar reservoir, a natural water body that serves as a critical source of water for animals in the region. By cleaning and refilling the ponds, authorities are not only ensuring that animals have access to clean water, but also that they do not wander into human settlements in search of water. Similarly, in the Tiruppur Division, artificial ponds located in Udumalpet, Amaravathy, Kozhumam, and Vandaravu forest ranges were cleaned and filled with water. The Forest Department has committed to regularly filling these ponds to prevent dehydration among the wildlife, which could force them to venture into human-populated areas.
The benefits of these artificial ponds are clear: they help prevent incidents where wild animals, particularly elephants, stray into nearby villages or agricultural lands in search of water. Such encounters can often lead to dangerous situations, including conflicts with humans. By regularly refilling these ponds, the authorities are taking proactive steps to prevent these conflicts and ensure that the wildlife remains within the safe confines of the reserve. Apart from these efforts, the Forest Department has also issued a public advisory to ensure the safety of both the forest and its visitors. With the dry season approaching, the department has appealed to travellers passing through roads within the reserve, including the Pollachi-Valparai and Sethumadai-Top Slip roads, to avoid carrying inflammable substances. The department is particularly concerned about the potential for forest fires, urging people not to discard cigarette or beedi butts in forested areas, as even a small spark could result in devastating fires.
The plan for these artificial ponds is not just short-term maintenance; it’s part of a broader strategy to ensure the reserve’s infrastructure supports the needs of its wildlife, particularly during the summer months. Regular maintenance of these ponds will continue throughout the hot season, providing a long-term solution for water access. The reserve’s authorities are committed to keeping these artificial ponds in working order, reducing the risk of human-animal conflict, and maintaining the delicate balance between nature and the surrounding communities. The cleaning and refilling of over 200 artificial ponds across the Anamalai Tiger Reserve is a significant effort aimed at safeguarding the wildlife during the summer months. By addressing the water needs of the animals, the authorities are ensuring the preservation of the reserve’s ecosystem and promoting harmony between wildlife and human settlements. This initiative is a crucial part of the reserve’s infrastructure management, ensuring the long-term health and safety of both wildlife and local communities.
