The Asiatic lion news archive - 2003

Stories relating to the Asiatic lion and updates on the captive breeding programme from 2003.

DATELINE: April 21, 2003
Water tankers for wildlife in Gir

Scanty rainfall for the last four years in the region has led to a severe water crisis in the forests of Gir National Park. All the natural water bodies in the park- about a dozen odd rivers and a similar number of small and large reservoirs have dried up early, creating severe problems for the wildlife here. The biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam, dubbed 'the lifeline of Gir' has also dried up completely.

Water is now being provided to the animals by the dozen odd tankers that have been put into service by the Forest Department. Water is being provided at over 350 water points all across the forest area and the FD has said that they feel the supply was adequate for the moment.

The water scarcity has also resulted in the increased incidences of animals straying from the forests, resulting in increased human -animal conflict. This problem has been larger in the case of leopards, particularly in the forests of Panchmahals and Baria. The situation has been further compounded by the fact that there are thousands of heads of cattle, belonging to the
'maldharis' inside the forests. Additionally there are a number of villages in the region that share the limited water resources with the wildlife.

The State FD has asked the Centre to provide special financial assistance to deal with the recurring water problem, and a sum of Rs. 20 lakhs had reportedly been promised.

Source: Shyam Parekh. 'Central aid likely for water crisis in forests', The
Times of India, 21/04/03.