The Tamil Nadu government today announced a Rs 2.81 crore drinking water scheme for wild animals covering four major tiger reserves and forest areas in the state.
The measure was proposed in view of the animals straying into public places in search of water during dry spells, thus causing damage to human habitats, an official release said.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has sanctioned Rs 2.81 crore for this purpose, wherein underground water will be drawn from borewells running to a depth of 400 feet using solar-powered motor pumps.
Water will be stored in overhead tanks and drawn for use whenever required as it will be stored in open spaces for animals' consumption, it said. In some cases, overhead tanks will not be used.
The tiger reserves at Aanaimalai, Muthumalai, Kalakkadu-Mundanthurai and Sathyamangalam besides forest areas in Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore and Vellore districts will be covered as part of the proposal, it said.
