Local Volunteers Combat Drought for Wildlife in Vellore Forests

Published - March 19, 2026 05:30 am IST - VELLORE In a commendable effort to support local wildlife, particularly spotted deer and elephants, volunteers and forest officials in Vellore and surrounding districts are taking action to fill water troughs as temperatures soar. As the heatwave grips the region, these dedicated individuals ensure that animals have access to vital water sources deep within the reserve forests.

Addressing the Water Crisis: A Collective Effort

Over the past week, the Forest Department has collaborated closely with local wildlife enthusiasts to locate and replenish water troughs and percolation ponds scattered across the Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai districts. This initiative is crucial as temperatures have consistently reached between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, prompting wildlife to seek water in human settlements.

“Filling water troughs in RFs regularly will help,” stated R. Saravana Babu, the forest range officer for Ranipet. His insights underline the urgency of the situation, as animals often venture into populated areas in search of water, creating potential conflicts between wildlife and humans.

The Logistics of Water Supply

To combat this issue, local volunteers are mobilized to transport water via tanker lorries to designated troughs. Each of the reserve forests typically houses six to seven water troughs, covering an average of 3,000 hectares of land. The financial aspect of this initiative is significant, as each tanker load—amounting to 7,500 liters—costs between ₹800 and ₹1,000. Volunteers, like Dinesh Saravanan, an IT professional from Vellore, have been actively involved in this initiative, stating, “I have been contributing to three such water troughs within the Vellore forest range for the past few years.”

The Scope of the Initiative

The Tiruvannamalai forest range comprises seven reserve forests, including notable locations such as Chippakadu, Athipakkam, Annamalai, and Sorakolathur, collectively extending over 13,000 hectares. Specifically, the Anamalai RF is equipped with 14 large water troughs, each capable of holding between 12,000 and 18,000 liters of water on its 900 hectares of land.

As the summer progresses, the filling of these troughs will continue through the end of May, just before the expected onset of the southwest monsoon. Additionally, to further support the health of the wildlife, blocks of salt, commonly referred to as salt licks, are strategically placed within the RFs, providing essential minerals to the animals.

A Broader Impact on Local Wildlife

In Ranipet, the forest landscape includes three ranges: Arakkonam, Arcot, and Ranipet, which together cover approximately 10,000 hectares. The Tirupattur district is even larger, comprising five forest ranges, including Vaniyambadi, Ambur, Singarapettai, and Alangayam, and stretching across 87,500 hectares. The collaborative effort of the forest officials and local volunteers is vital to sustaining wildlife in these expansive areas, especially during the harsh summer months.

Why It Matters: Protecting Our Wildlife

This initiative is not just about providing water; it addresses the critical balance between wildlife conservation and human settlement. As climate change continues to intensify, the frequency and severity of droughts are likely to increase, making such efforts essential for the survival of many species.

The local populace has been proactive in alerting forest officials about the movements of spotted deer and other wildlife near human habitats. This proactive communication is crucial for minimizing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring both animals and residents can coexist peacefully.

What Lies Ahead: Future Initiatives

Moving forward, it will be important to monitor the effectiveness of these water trough initiatives and to adapt strategies as needed in response to climate conditions. Continued collaboration between local communities and forest departments can pave the way for sustainable wildlife management practices.

As the summer heat continues, keeping the water troughs filled will remain a priority. This initiative demonstrates a commendable commitment to wildlife welfare and the environment, setting a precedent for how communities can come together to support their natural surroundings.

In conclusion, the efforts in Vellore and surrounding districts to provide water for wildlife are a testament to community spirit and environmental responsibility. As we look ahead, it will be essential to keep an eye on the outcomes of these initiatives and consider additional measures to enhance wildlife conservation.

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