Waterhole census to be held in STR, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary on Buddha Purnima

Kolhapur: The waterhole census ‘Nisarganubhav' will be conducted on Buddha Purnima on May 1, 2026.The work of building scaffolds is underway in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.Although the forest department uses scientific camera traps and the transit line method for carrying out census, the waterhole census, an old-age technique, is still conducted as a fun activity wherein nature lovers can experience the forest thrill.Nature lovers get a chance to enjoy the thrilling experience of spending the entire night in the forest. Tushar Chavan, field director at Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, said, "The forest department conducts a waterhole animal census programme in the Chandoli National Park, the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (Kolhapur district) and the Sagareshwar Sanctuary (Sangli district) annually in May on the night of Buddha Purnima.""In this census, nature lovers get to experience a day in the forest and experience the sights, sounds, forest resources and biodiversity of the animals. Through this initiative, the general public gets close knowledge of wild animals. The participants get the exposure about the work done by the forest department for the wild animals and the efforts made to preserve the forest resources," Chavan said.The forest department has invited entries from the wildlife enthusiasts to be a part of the waterhole census on the night of Buddha Purnima. The online registration form will be available from April 17 to April 21, 2026, till 12pm.The nature experience programme will begin at 12 pm on May 1, 2026, and conclude at 10 am on May 2, 2026. Each scaffold will have a capacity of 2-3 participants and at least one govt officer/employee. "Since there is limited space available for the census, the management of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve shall have the sole right to decide on the participation of all interested applicants and allocation of scaffolding," added Chavan.The participants must be between 18 and 70 years old. If someone is under 18 years of age, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The interested people can fill the Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePAkY-2mQhCcXJTzCp14xhoe7dXSzDRe-ji3WNWRawWBlYjw/viewform