With mercury levels rising in the district, the Forest Department is constructing new water troughs and replenishing the existing ones inside forest areas to prevent wildlife from leaving their habitat. The move comes in the wake of reports of animals, particularly deer, straying into villages in search of water.
Forest officers said a few deer were attacked — some fatally — by dogs. Hence, the department was taking precautionary measures. “We have been constructing new water troughs and providing drinking water facilities for wildlife in Pernambut, Gudiyatham and Arcot Forest ranges of Vellore Forest Division. All existing water troughs are being continuously filled with water,” a senior official of the Forest Department said.
While it is not uncommon for deer to stray into human habitats, the incidences hav increased since the start of summer. In one instance, a forest officer said, more than 15 deer died after being chased and attacked by dogs. More recently, there have been instances of deer deaths at Synagunda and Anangapallimettur near Paradharami. On the other hand, some lucky ones have been rescued by forest department personnel.
In Pernambut, three new troughs have been created inside forest areas and the existing 10 troughs filled with water, an officer said. “We ensure that the troughs have continuous supply of water. We fill them through tractors. All kinds of animals come to the troughs to drink water. Last week, our men spotted an elephant at one of these troughs in Mordhana reserve forest.”
Of the nearly 25 troughs in Gudiyatham range, one was newly dug this year. In Odugathur range, officials undertook repairs of 13 existing troughs.
