Spotted deer and sambar in the Kondapalli Reserve Forest (KRF) will now get access to drinking water 24x7 this summer.
The forest authorities have decided to ensure availability of water round the clock in the natural water sources for the deer in the reserve forest. Scarcity of water had forced the animals to come out of the forest to quench their thirst, thereby falling prey to hunters. Since 2015, three deer were hunted by the local communities when they came out of the reserve forest in search of water. Cases are under trial as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
Transportation
“We have selected seven small natural water bodies, which are the prime source of water for the deer in the KRF, to keep them full until the summer end. Water will be transported to these locations, ensuring availability of water 24x7,” Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial) J. Banerjee told The Hindu . Several water holes would also be deepened, apart from arranging plastic sheets under the water holes to avoid seepage. The forest authorities did not disclose the details of the seven locations to guarantee safe movement of the deer.
Ban on dog movements
“It has been established by the hunters that the dogs attack the deer in some areas including Kondapalli, A. Konduru and G. Konduru. A special team has been deployed, restricting entry of dogs into the reserve forest,” added Mr. Banerjee. In an alleged strategy, locals take the dogs into the reserve forest as their guard, but such practice has been banned by the forest department as it would pose threat to the deer, particularly during summer. “We do claim that the Kondapalli Reserve Forest is a home for not less than 25 deer, which have been sighted by our staff. However, no census has been conducted to claim the exact number”, said Mr. Banerjee.
