Solar Energy Is Keeping This Karnataka National Park Drought-Free!

Co-existence among humans itself proves to be quite problematic when the matter of sharing resources is raised. But rarely do we consider that our limited resources are being shared by thousands of other animals and organisms as well. As we continuously encroach upon forest area, the least we can do is ensure that animals who are living within boundaries demarcated by humans are provided for, but as is the case all over the world, the exact opposite seems to be happening. With several zoos and national parks being reported for a lack of control on pollution, or care for the animals, Karnataka’s Bandipur National Park may just have taken itself off that list with their eco-friendly initiative that will aid the animals.

In an effort to combat the after-effects of forest fires, which resulted in the animals having to deal with an unreliable source of water, and fluctuating temperatures, the Forest Department installed pumps powered by solar energy to help solve one of their biggest problems.

The pumps are installed next to water bodies, in some of the region’s driest areas. The solar pumps will aid in supplying water straight into watering holes, reported The Better India. WWF-India also helped install two pumps, to make dealing with the drought easier. The project is already boasting of success, as The Hindu reported that these waterholes are constantly visited by the animals in the area. B.G. Hosmath, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) also told the publication that camera trap images showed herds of animals, right from deers and sambars, to tigers and elephants, crowding around these watering holes, proving their venture was indeed, effective.

The Forest Department also identified and installed similar pumps in other regions that would benefit from these pumps, at Nagarhole National Park.

Representational feature image via Wikimedia