Berhampur: Forest officials in Ganjam district have initiated comprehensive measures to ensure water availability for wildlife, particularly blackbucks and peacocks, as temperatures continues to rise.
Divisional forest officer, Ghumusar south division, B K Acharya said over 300 new saucer pits have been established, while 20 existing ponds and around 50 check dams have been renovated. The department has invested Rs 15 lakh for these water conservation efforts.
The newly-constructed saucer pits, measuring 2-ft in length, 1-ft in width, and less than 1-ft in depth, are strategically located in villages near forest areas across Aska, Buguda, Polasara, and Bargarh forest ranges. These areas are known habitats for the endangered blackbuck population. Also, 120 existing pits have been repaired to ensure adequate water supply.
Ganjam district holds the distinction of being the only area in the state where blackbucks, a Schedule 1 protected species, can be found. Recent census data revealed the presence of 8,789 blackbucks in the state, with 5,627 residing in Ghumusar south division.
“Forest staff fill these saucer pits with water every alternate day, benefiting not just blackbucks but also other wildlife and birds,” said Acharya. He confirmed that no blackbuck deaths due to water scarcity have been reported.
Amulya Upadhaya, president of the Ganjam District Blackbuck Protection Committee, expressed concern about blackbucks venturing into villages in search of water, making them vulnerable to wild dogs and accidents. The committee has recently rescued several blackbucks.
Local community involvement has been crucial to this initiative. Sameer Pradhan, president of the Peacock Protection Committee, said villagers actively assist forest staff in maintaining water levels in the pits, particularly in the Pakidi hill near Cheramaria, Aska, where peacocks frequently gather.