Baripada, Jan. 30: Similipal Tiger Reserve authorities are reviving the perennial water sources in the core area of the sanctuary to help grow its tiger population.

"The measure had to be undertaken in order to maintain perennial water sources in the sanctuary. The water flow from the perennial springs starts depleting and during the summer season, some of them go dry," said deputy director of the tiger reserve Ajit Satpathy.

"By digging up a pit, the water that is flowing downstream can be contained. The aquifer will be charged and the ungulates will get water for drinking all through the year. Once the ungulates, mainly the deer, get adequate water, they would not migrate to other regions in search of drinking water. When the prey population is maintained on certain patches, the tigers get adequate food. In other words, once the tigers find a conducive habitat, they would not visit human habitation," said Satpathy. He said the move would help in increasing the sanctuary's tiger population.

The authorities will also strengthen around 150 water sources in the core area of the sanctuary. Each structure will cost around Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000, said a source.

The tiger reserve authorities claimed that they were doing everything possible to raise their tiger population. Keeping that in mind, they have developed meadows to create a conducive environment for the deer to grow in the sanctuary.

There are 25 meadows in various locations of the sanctuary which stretches across 450 hectares. There are also about 30 artificial water bodies besides natural springs within the national park's core area of around 1,100sqkm.

The authorities have also engaged a research officer to develop the meadows and water bodies.