Haldwani, Oct. 22 -- The Uttarakhand forest department in collaboration with the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, will conduct watershed mapping in Corbett Tiger Reserve to ensure year-round water availability for wildlife. The study aims to develop a scientific and sustainable water management plan for one of India's most biodiverse protected areas. Officials said the initiative will help design a long-term strategy for water conservation, recharge, and resource management within the park. The mapping will assess the natural flow systems, including water sources, streams, drainage patterns, groundwater potential, and topography. "Watershed mapping will be undertaken with NIH's technical expertise," said Corbett Tiger Reserve director Saket Badola. "The study will include a detailed examination of all water sources and slopes to identify measures ensuring perennial water availability. Large waterholes will be created to accommodate elephant herds, and efforts will be made to conserve monsoon water through natural gravity flow to enhance groundwater recharge," he said He said in the first phase, a comprehensive field survey across all forest ranges of Corbett will be carried out, followed by a scientific assessment and report preparation. HTC...