The water level in the Bhavani Sagar reservoir at Sirumugai in Coimbatore has receded to such an extent this summer that the water spread area has turned into meadows for animals to graze.
According to Forest Department officials, the grassland is now frequented by elephants, spotted deer, sambar deer, black buck and feral buffalo as availability of fodder inside the forests has come down.
Officials with the Water Resources Organisation of the Public Works Department (PWD), Bhavani Sagar Dam, said the resevoir had 51.99 ft of water at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, as against the full reservoir level of 110 ft. The level was 100 ft in August last year.
Erode district
Though Bhavani Sagar dam is situated in Erode district, a significant portion of the water spread is in Sirumugai of Coimbatore district.
“The water spread area is a main source of fodder for herbivores in the summer when water level recedes and new sprouts emerge from the wetland.
Large congregation of spotted deer, elephant and black buck is a common sight on the storage area in the morning and evening in summer. Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild boars and several species of birds depend on the available water in ,” said E.N. Manoharan, Forest Range Officer, Sirumugai.
Sirumugai forest range also witnesses migration of animals in summer as it is adjacent to the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Erode district.
With the movement of animals having increased, the Forest Department is carrying out routine patrols along the water storage area to ensure than animals are protected from poaching.