Drought in Karnataka: Will solar-powered wells be enough for wildlife?

The harrowing water crisis along with wide spread forests fire have caused severe distress to the wild animals in the state of Karnataka. Due to drought ponds, reservoirs, and lakes across the state are drying up, and the recent forest fires in Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary has resulted in deaths of many deer, reptiles, langur, and other small in size animals. 

As the temperature is rising and the southern states of India are facing a drought situation survival for animals have become a rising concern. Usually, due to dried up forests in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, migratory animals like elephants comes to Karnataka to quench their thirst. 

However, this year Karnataka itself is facing a severe drought, and the forest fire has further complicated the matter for forest officials as well as for the wild animals. 

Even before the start of summer, the death rate of animals is alarming. A leading daily quoted a member of Karnataka State Wildlife Board, Joseph Hoover, as saying that there are reports of deaths of small animals and if this situation continues then there could be mass deaths of animals especially elephants and tigers as they need more water to drink. 

In the effort to save the animals from dying due to lack of water, the forest department of Karnataka has installed solar-powered pumps in various parts of Bandipur forest reserve. These pumps have been installed closed to water bodies to boost wells that will supply water directly to the watering holes. 

Apart from Bandipur, Antharsanthe, Metikuppe and Veeranahosahalli in Nagarhole National Park will also have similar pumps installed to fight the water crisis. 

The summer is yet to arrive, and the state is already witnessing severe water crisis. The solar-powered wells may offer a temporary solution. But, will that be enough for the survival of wildlife until rainy season arrive? Is the real question.

• solar powered wells
• Karnataka drought
• Bandipur national park