Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau
In a heartening development for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists, a family of five tigers was recently captured on CCTV as they gathered to drink water from a pool constructed by the Forest Department in the Terai forests in the Bazpur area of district Udham Singh Nagar. This initiative aims to mitigate the harsh effects of the summer heat on wildlife.
During the summer season, water sources in the forests diminish significantly, causing wild animals to venture into populated areas in search of water. This often results in fatalities due to dehydration. To address this, the Forest Department has constructed water holes which include temporary ponds and pools at various locations within the Terai Central Forest Division, ensuring that animals have access to water.
Ashok Pant, a resident of Haripura Harsan village in Bazpur, along with his team, fills these ponds with water tankers frequently. “We are committed to ensuring that wild animals do not face any water scarcity during the summer season,” Pant said. “Seeing five tigers together is extraordinary. It indicates that a tigress has successfully raised four cubs.”
The CCTV footage, which was captured two days ago, shows one adult tiger and four juveniles drinking water and playing around the pond, providing a rare and delightful sight for tourists and forest officials. Umesh Singh Tiwari, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Terai Central Forest Division, expressed his satisfaction: “Our efforts to provide water to wildlife during the scorching heat are proving fruitful. It is encouraging to see the increasing number of tigers in the Terai forests”, he said.
“These ponds have not only benefited tigers but also other wildlife, including elephants, deer, and leopards, ensuring their safety and well-being. The success of these initiatives highlights the importance of continued efforts in wildlife conservation”, he added.
“The sighting of the five tigers, a solitary species, together at the water pond is a testament to the thriving wildlife in Uttarakhand’s forests. The video depicts a tigress mother and her four sub-adult cubs, which means tigers are thriving well in this part of terai forests”, said wildlife expert Pran Chadha.
