The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district has introduced a sensor-based system on a pilot basis to regulate water levels in wildlife waterholes, minimise water wastage and ensure a reliable water supply for animals, officials said.
TATR Field Director Dr Prabhu Nath Shukla said the system automatically switches water pumps on and off according to water levels, helping prevent overflow and unnecessary pumping.
The device activates the pump when the water level falls below a predefined threshold and switches it off once the water reaches the designated upper limit. The initiative assumes significance amid concerns over drought conditions and the need for efficient water management.
The reserve has around 130 natural water sources and 350 artificial waterholes, many of which are supported by solar-powered pumping systems. According to the reserve authorities, no water tankers were required to replenish these waterholes during the intense heat last summer.
However, solar-powered pumps can continue operating even after waterholes are full, resulting in water overflow. While some excess water serves as wallowing areas for wildlife, manually switching off pumps can be challenging and may pose risks to staff.
The sensor-based system comprises a level sensor, controller and relay connected to the pump. It is designed to reduce water loss, limit unnecessary groundwater extraction and minimise the need for continuous human monitoring.
Shukla said the initiative could strengthen water conservation and help ensure water availability for wildlife, particularly during drought conditions. The reserve authorities are presenting it as a first-of-its-kind approach to sensor-based wildlife waterhole management.
Separately, TATR has divided its core area into grids to improve the distribution of water sources and plans to provide waterholes in each grid. The exercise aims to ensure more equitable access to water for wildlife across the reserve and is expected to be completed this year.
The initiative is part of efforts to improve water management and support wildlife conservation in the tiger reserve.
-PTI
