Dalma Gets 10 New Water Holes to Boost Wildlife Conservation  

Forest Department strengthens year-round water availability, total water sources rise to 88

Jamshedpur: In a major boost to wildlife conservation, the Forest Department has developed 10 new water holes inside the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary during 2025-26, taking the total number of water sources in the protected forest to 88.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring a year-round supply of drinking water for wildlife and reducing their dependence on natural streams, many of which dry up during the summer months. Officials said the additional water holes will particularly benefit elephants, deer, wild boars, bears and a variety of bird species inhabiting the sanctuary.

Lifeline for wildlife during summer

Forest officials said water holes act as natural rainwater harvesting structures. During the monsoon, rainwater gradually accumulates in these pits and remains available for wildlife for several months.

To maintain adequate water storage, the department regularly undertakes desilting and maintenance of the water holes. During the peak summer season, when traditional forest water sources begin to shrink, these structures become a crucial source of water for animals.

New water holes created in key wildlife zones

According to the Forest Department, the new water holes have been developed in areas identified as having high wildlife movement and ecological importance.

Two water holes each have been constructed in Kadamjhor and Kathjhor, while one each has been developed in Makulakocha, Tulin, Shaharbeda, Ramgarh, Kandarbeda and Bandhadih.

Officials believe the strategic placement of these water sources will improve water accessibility across the sanctuary and reduce the movement of wild animals towards nearby villages.

Human-wildlife conflict likely to reduce

Dalma Divisional Forest Officer and Deputy Director of Project Elephant, Shaba Alam Ansari, said water holes serve multiple purposes by providing drinking water, bathing spots and resting areas for wildlife.

He said expanding the network of water holes allows animals to meet their water requirements within the forest, reducing the likelihood of them venturing into human habitations in search of water and food. This, he added, will play an important role in minimising human-wildlife conflict while strengthening conservation efforts in the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.

Strengthening Dalma’s biodiversity

The Forest Department said the creation of the additional water holes is part of its long-term strategy to conserve Dalma’s rich biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. Officials expressed confidence that the enhanced water infrastructure will improve habitat conditions and contribute significantly to the protection of wildlife in one of Jharkhand’s most important elephant habitats.