Pune Fights to Keep Wildlife Hydrated as Natural Water Sources Dry Up.

In Pune, as the temperature rises and natural groundwater levels fall, the city is facing a challenge to keep its wildlife hydrated. Almost 500 man-made waterholes, which provide water for wild animals, are drying up. Each of these waterholes can hold between 6,000 and 10,000 liters of water, and they need to be refilled every 15 days.

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune Forest Division, Mahadev Mohite explained, “This is a recurring issue every summer, and it’s getting worse each year because there’s less natural water available. There’s no water from natural sources to fill these holes during April and May, so we have to bring in water tankers.”

Despite these challenges, the local community is stepping up to help. Mohite mentioned that some residents have taken responsibility for specific waterholes, ensuring they are refilled regularly. Others send water tankers as a unique way to celebrate their birthdays. To keep the waterholes supplied until June this year, around 1,100 tankers are needed across 12 different areas in Pune, each with about 40 waterholes. So far, half of these water needs have been met with the help of residents and contractors.

Mohite also pointed out that while providing water to wild animals is encouraged and completely acceptable, feeding them is illegal and can lead to penalties. Recently, after receiving a tip about someone feeding wildlife near Bavdhan, Mohite issued a notice to the individual involved. The Pune Forest Department actively monitors and responds to such activities to protect wildlife.