Baripada, Sept. 2: Authorities have initiated steps for the maintenance of meadows and water bodies in the core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve.

They are trying to maintain a secure food chain in the forest by protecting grasslands and water bodies which are the sources of food for the animals.

"The meadow management would help the population growth of the animals. A strip cut has been made in the grassland for the growth of new grass. The new grass will attract the herbivorous animals and in turn, the tigers would find their prey," said Simlipal Tiger Reserve deputy director Ajit Satpathy.

"Weeds and bushes have been cleared to check their unwanted growth during the rainy season. If they are not uprooted, they will bear flowers and seeds within two months," he said.

There are about 28 meadows in various locations stretching across an area of about 650 hectares including 50 hectares in Jamuna and Kabatgahai.

There are 30 artificial water bodies besides natural springs in an area of about 1,100sqkm in the core area of the reserve.

Apart from the maintenance of the water bodies, the authorities also planning to grow fruit-bearing trees such as jamun, jackfruit, kydia and dillenia in the reserve area.

Although, 16 kinds of grass are found in the forest, the herbivorous animals there eat only four of them.

"We are allowing the growth of the grass types that can be eaten by the animals and we removing the rest. Experiments to grow a particular grass species have been carried out in 10 meadows," said an officer of the reserve.

The tiger reserve authorities have also engaged a research expert for the maintenance for water bodies and meadows.

According to the plans, strip cuts will be being made only in the existing grasslands. The removal of unwanted herbs and shrubs has done before their flowering and the land has been prepared for growing of particular grass types.