Haridwar, May 25 -- With the onset of intense summer and the drying up of natural water sources, forest authorities in Haridwar and the Rajaji Tiger Reserve have launched an initiative to construct and replenish water holes and reservoirs within forest areas to help wild animals cope with the heat. "New reservoirs are being constructed within forest ranges, and dried-up ones are being refilled. With rising temperatures, elephant movement in particular has increased. To manage this, we are ensuring adequate water availability within forest terrains, which helps keep wildlife from straying into residential areas," said Haridwar range officer Shailendra Singh Negi. Chilla range (Pauri Garhwal) officer BD Tiwari said that efforts are being made to maintain water availability for a range of species. "Water holes are being regularly this season filled to support not just elephants, but also tigers, leopards, deer, and birds during the summer season," he said. Wildlife experts have welcomed the move as timely and necessary. Gagan Matta, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Gurukul Kangri University, said: "Increasing wildlife movement near human habitats and the Ganga has raised the risk of conflict, especially with elephants." "Ensuring access to water inside forest areas greatly reduces the chances of animals venturing outside. Until the monsoon arrives, it is essential to regularly maintain and refill these water holes to meet the needs of wildlife," he said....