Scorching heat has proved to be more fatal for these animals. Animals are coming out of the limitations of forest reserve in search of water and losing lives either by becoming a prey or are being hit by vehicles. Jodhpur is witnessing an average of 8 to 10 deaths of wild life every day. In most of the cases, Chinkaras(Indian Gazelle) are being attacked by stray dogs, resulting in a badly wounded body. Chinkaras are very sensitive animals and they die due to shock. Jodhpur district has more than 100 wild life regions which are facing water shortage. Osian has 25, Falodi has 20, Bhopalgarh has 17 and Bilada has 14 such regions rich in wild life.

Forest department has been allotted a budget of 4 lakh rupees for the areas which fall under its command, but regional forest zone gets only 70 thousand rupees for the wild life. Water resources like wells, water tanks(taanka), ponds and canals which are the only available sources in the desert region are all completely dry due to growing heat. As per the forest department officials, lack of water and fresh vegetation affects the breeding capacity of Chinkaras and Black Bucks. It also creates night blindness in these innocent animals.

Every Panchayat has water shortage

Areas which fall under Osian Panchayat are facing extreme water shortage. Every day, 10 to 15 wounded Chinkaras, Blue bulls, peacocks etc. are found injured as they cross the roads in search of water on the other side of the reserves. Water supply through tankers is vastly affected since payments are due since last year.

47 water points in Jodhpur are to be analysed for animal count. Forest department has given instructions to supply water through tankers in the wild life regions. Quotations have been invited for regular water supply. An estimate of 4 lakh rupees has been discussed for the wild life regions.

Wild life need to be protected to maintain the ecological balance of nature. A strict measure has to be adopted to stop the wild life from going extinct.

News source : patrika

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