People are thirsting for water in the parched Kolar region. Good samaritans have now come forward to ensure that there is enough water for animals, wild and domesticated, across the district.
There are several initiatives by some companies that are noteworthy. ITC, in association with the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), has constructed a tank on the roadside at Sugatur in Kolar taluk for thirsty cattle. Constructed at a cost of Rs. 15,000, the tank is being supervised and maintained by the local gram panchayat.
Udaykumar, a farmer at Gummireddipura in Srinivasapur taluk, moved by the plight of wild animals in the region, is releasing two tankers of water once a week into a trough on the edge of the Dalasanur Government forest area. The forest is inhabited by hundreds of animals and birds such as deer, rabbits, fox, monkeys, pigs, peacocks and pelicans.
Udayakumar is spending Rs. 600 per load of water. “I will continue to supply water to wild animals till it rains and fills the trench,” he said.
