MYSURU: Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) authorities have decided to increase the number of solar-powered pumps in the protected areas spread across 872 square kilometres (core area) bordering Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Currently, there is no dearth of drinking water for animals, but to ensure adequate water supply during summer, more places have been identified in all ranges across the reserve where solar points will be installed in a phased manner.
Five-HP solar-powered pumps have the capacity to lift thousands of litres from as deep as 300 feet and almost every water body is attracting animals like tigers, elephants and spotted deer. There are nearly 250 tigers in the reserve.
BTR director SR Natesh said the number of solar-power points to pump water would be increased to 100. “Currently, we have 47 points and all are intact and there is no scarcity of water. Having more points will benefit animals,” he said.
“We have identified about 50 points where solar pumps can be installed. The work will be taken up in a phased manner. This is expected to suffice any challenges in future. Bandipur has about 363 water bodies. Though most of them have dried up, some natural ponds are providing water. This is in addition to the 47 solar-powered points,” he said.