Drought Threatens Wildlife: Urgent Forest Measures Needed

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is facing an anticipated water scarcity due to prevailing drought conditions. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has formally requested the forest department to implement urgent water availability and wildfire prevention measures across the district's forests. These actions are deemed crucial for safeguarding wildlife and forest ecosystems.

INTACH has specifically called for the creation of new water holes and the prompt execution of fire-line works within the Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary, Ajanta forest ranges, and plantation areas near Sarola, Mhaismal, and Daulatabad. The organization highlighted that declining natural water resources and dry weather patterns pose a significant threat to wildlife during the summer, potentially leading to increased human-wildlife conflict as animals seek drinking water in populated areas.

Beyond new water sources, INTACH recommended restoring, desilting, and deepening existing water bodies. They also proposed watershed management interventions such as check dams and groundwater recharge initiatives. Emphasis was placed on ensuring drinking water for wildlife in vulnerable spots and establishing sustainable water harvesting at plantation sites.

Given the heightened risk of forest fires during prolonged dry spells, INTACH urged the department to prioritize the planning, creation, and maintenance of fire lines. These measures are vital for protecting wildlife habitats, forest vegetation, biodiversity, and adjacent settlements. The organization offered to conduct joint site inspections with forest officials to identify priority locations and develop a timely conservation plan before summer 2027.

In response, the Chief Conservator of Forests for Marathwada, Pramod Chand Lakra, stated that the forest department is closely monitoring the drought situation and actively implementing measures to protect wildlife.