DHENKANAL: AFTER intense heat, dry water bodies in the forests in Dhenkanal division are forcing wild animals to move into human habitation in search of water. The district witnessed temperature of around 40 degree Celsius for almost a month. This resulted in water bodies drying up leaving the wild animals at the mercy of nature.
Dhenkanal division has 65 reserve forests and 54 water bodies for wild animals. About 25 water bodies have dried up.
Deer, bucks, peacocks, elephants, snakes, monkeys and several other animals that inhabit the forests can be spotted along Mahavir Road and Kapilash, Kamakshyanagar forest (East and West) range. Forced out of their habitat, these animals fall prey to poachers who wait for such opportunities to trap the animals and earn fast bucks.
‘Dhabas’ along highways buy the meat of wild boar, deer and bucks from the poachers as the dishes prepared from their meat are much in demand among truckers on the route, locals allege.
A day back, a deer was rescued from a well in Bhagbanpur village under Dhenkanal Municipality limits. The deer sustained injuries and was rushed to veterinary hospital. After treatment, it was sent to Kapilash Deer Park.
Water scarcity is killing elephants too. A mammal was found dead last month in Kandhra forest in Hindol. Official sources said no meetings have been organised to discuss steps to be taken for protection of wild animals during summer. Senior forest officials said six water bodies were reported to have dried till last month.
Divisional Forest Office PK Sahoo said small water sources have been dug up in Kapilash and such steps are being taking at Hindol. The State Government is planning to construct check dams and will release funds for the purpose, he added.