Balasore, April 23: The wildlife division of the district has initiated measures to protect the water bodies inside Kuldhia Wildlife Sanctuary apprehending water scarcity this summer.

Existing water bodies are being revived, while new water bodies are also being built to cater to the needs of the animals that call the sanctuary home this summer.

The Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 2,700km, has 52 tanks and 20 natural spring sources.

Of the 52 tanks, however, 12 have run dry. Several springs have also dried up.

To revive the dry tanks, the department has started de-silting the structures.

Divisional forest officer Harsh Bardhan Udgata said: "We are apprehending that the worst days of the summer are yet to come this year. So, we are taking measures to tackle the situation."

"Six tanks have already been dug and concrete vats (containers) have also been made near them. The water near spring sources are being revived by deepening the water pits," he said.

The forest officer further said that the wildlife division had a plan to have at least three borewells installed in the sanctuary.

To provide drinking water to the bears, the department plans to construct several concrete tanks in the foothills.