Eco-friendly solar pumps ensure water, ease conflict in Chhattisgarh’s Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

RAIPUR: To tackle summer water scarcity and reduce human-animal conflict, the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) in Chhattisgarh has introduced an eco-friendly water supply system for wildlife. The initiative aims to prevent animals from straying into villages in search of water. By cutting costs, reducing the carbon footprint, and improving habitat conditions, the project not only safeguards biodiversity but also strengthens patrolling and conflict mitigation efforts in the reserve. The USTR has installed solar-powered water pumps to provide water for wildlife during the dry summer. The project, implemented in partnership with the Earth Brigade Foundation, also includes solar electrification of three anti-poaching camps inside the reserve. “There are over 100 ponds within the USTR, but we are targeting those ponds which dry up completely in summers for the installation of solar-powered pumps. We extract groundwater through eco-friendly methods using solar pumps and fill these ponds for wild animals,” said USTR deputy director Varun Jain. At present, 16 solar-powered pumps have been installed, and a proposal for 10 more is expected to be implemented by December, he added. The Earth Brigade Foundation has sponsored the supply and installation of the pumps and electrification systems, saving the state exchequer about Rs 17 lakh. “This initiative is expected to reduce man-animal conflict, which often escalates due to water scarcity during summer. The foundation has carried out similar projects in other tiger reserves, including Jim Corbett, Kanha, Panna, and Dudhwa,” said Jain. The solar pumps will ensure a steady supply of water for animals like leopards, tigers, sloth bears, and deer, preventing them from entering nearby villages and human settlements. Natural water sources in the Dhamtari and Gariaband regions often dry up during the intense summer heat, he pointed out. The solar electrification of anti-poaching camps will also ensure a 24x7 presence of patrolling guards deep inside the forest. The Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity, is a popular destination for visitors. Plans are also underway to translocate wild buffaloes and female tigers to the reserve, with the current project expected to support habitat development and restoration. According to a forest department official, there has been only one human casualty in the reserve in the last two-and-a-half years, and human-wildlife conflict incidents have declined significantly.