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Smart Sensors Save Wildlife Water in India
22 Oct
Summary
- Sensors automate waterhole pumps to prevent overflow.
- Initiative supports wildlife during drought in Chandrapur.
- New system enhances water and groundwater conservation efforts.
In a pioneering move for wildlife conservation, the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has launched a sensor-based system to monitor and regulate water levels in its artificial waterholes. This pilot initiative is designed to prevent overflow and minimize water loss by automatically controlling pumping systems.
The system is particularly vital as the Chandrapur district faces drought conditions, highlighting the necessity for judicious water resource management. TATR, which has approximately 130 natural water sources and 350 artificial waterholes, relies on these measures to ensure adequate water for its wildlife.
Previously, solar-powered pumps could continue operating even after waterholes were full, leading to significant water wastage. Manually managing these pumps also posed risks to staff due to potential wildlife encounters. The new automated system uses water-level sensors and controllers to activate pumps only when needed and switch them off once preset levels are reached.
Furthermore, TATR is undertaking a grid-based mapping of water sources to ensure their equitable distribution throughout the reserve's core area. This effort aims to provide consistent water access for wildlife across various sections of the habitat, with completion anticipated this year. Field director Prabhu Nath Shukla emphasized that this unique sensor-based approach could bolster water conservation and ensure wildlife water availability, even during droughts, while also protecting groundwater resources.
