LUCKNOW, June 1 -- As Uttar Pradesh goes through peak summer, animals in the core forest areas are heavily dependant on waterholes to keep themselves hydrated at a time when most of the natural sources have dried up. Around 350 ponds/saucer pits have been prepared/rejuvenated in core forest areas, with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) and Kartaniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) being the focused ones where state's majority feline reside.

"This year, number of solar waterpumps and waterholes have been increased. The requirement was assessed via field survey, and hopefully it will serve the purpose," said Sunil Chaudhary, principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) and head of forest force, Uttar Pradesh.

According to 2022 Census, UP is home to...