Rourkela: Forest divisions in Sundargarh district are preparing for the blazing summer with several projects in the pipeline to meet the drinking and bathing water requirement of wild animals.

The forest department has already renovated water holes, both natural and manmade. That apart, several new ones are also being dug.

"So far, we have readied 10 water holes. We plan to prepare an equal number in the coming days for animals in the Bonai forest range. We are just awaiting the sanction," said Bonai divisional forest officer Sudhansu Khara.

The division has also taken steps to introduce VHF (very high frequency) connectivity in the entire division. "This service will enable us to stay connected to the interior areas where connectivity is a problem," said Khara. This will help combat poaching, forest fires and also maintain the water holes, he said.

Areas such as Sol, Jarda Tamda and others always have connectivity problems. "Besides, this technology reduces the risk of poachers intercepting our communications," he said.

Bonai has a high concentration of barking and spotted deer, wild boar, rabbits, peacock, and elephants.

The district itself has three forest divisions - Bonai, Rourkela and Sundargarh - a migratory route for elephants. At Sundargarh, the divisional officer has renovated five water holes, which had been dug last summer.

"We have a good number of natural water sources that do not dry up in summer. This is why we are strengthening small check dams," said divisional forest officer Arun Mishra. The division plans to keep track of the trails of the animals to learn more about their migratory methods. "Animals from neighbouring states come in during this time and we have to keep a track of their entry routes," said Mishra. A royal Bengal tiger and 12 leopards have been spotted here, Mishra said.

On the other hand, Rourkela divisional forest officer Sanjay Swain said: "We have renovated seven water holes - all man-made ones. There are quite a few natural ones that are perennial."

"After the rain, we don't think new water holes are required. We plan to deepen a few water holes for the jumbos once the new budgetary allocation comes in," said Swain.