Gir-Girnar Forest Faces Severe Water Crisis; Forest Department Starts Filling 650 Artificial Water Points From October

The Gir and Girnar forests in Gujarat are facing an unusual water shortage this year due to poor monsoon rainfall. Several natural water sources, including rivers, streams and check dams, have dried up much earlier than expected. To ensure that wild animals do not suffer from a lack of drinking water, the Forest Department has started filling artificial water points from the last week of October. This is perhaps the first time that the operation has begun so early, as it usually starts in February or March.

The Forest Department has decided to keep around 650 artificial water points operational across the Gir and Girnar forest areas. Under normal conditions, around 600 water points are maintained in Gir and 50 to 60 in Girnar. However, this year, officials have started taking early action because of the seriousness of the water crisis. The main aim is to make drinking water easily available to animals throughout the winter and the upcoming summer season.

Water Supply Arrangements Made in Remote Forest Areas

The Forest Department is using different methods to supply water to artificial points, especially in remote areas where vehicles and machines cannot easily reach. Tractors and labourers are being used to carry water to difficult locations. Solar-powered automatic pumps and wind-powered systems are also being used to help maintain a regular water supply wherever possible.

Along with filling the existing water points, the department has started work to restore more than 150 old water points that were built earlier but are now closed or rarely used. Officials are conducting surveys to identify which of these points can be made operational again. The department is also checking the condition of existing water sources to plan water supply arrangements more effectively.

Survey Begins for 20 New Water Points in Girnar

Considering the possibility of a serious water shortage in the hilly and difficult-to-reach areas of Girnar, the Forest Department has started the process of preparing around 20 new water points. A scientific survey is also being carried out to identify suitable locations based on the movement of wild animals and the condition of nearby water sources.

The arrangements are aimed at preventing wild animals from moving towards nearby villages and human settlements in search of drinking water. Animals such as Asiatic lions, leopards, chital, sambar, chousingha and various bird species depend on these forest water sources. The Forest Department is working in alert mode to ensure that all these animals have access to drinking water during the coming months.