Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051208090300.htm

Other States - Rajasthan

Water shortage plays havoc on Bharatpur's wildlife

Bharatpur: The Keoladeo National Park situated in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan is home to a variety of birds, animal and water life species. It is a habitat to cross-section of national as well as migrated birds. A perfect get-away from the humdrum of city life.

The Park plays host to a variety of kingfishers, swans, Indian herons, blue herons, spoon bills, painted stork, snake bird, Indian duck, pelicans and many foreign and resident birds.

But water crisis in the region has taken its toll on this park. The dependence on groundwater rather on monsoons has led to serious consequences resulting in death of the birds and animal species residing in the Park.

Besides having 11 water blocks exclusively for birds and wild life animals, water scarcity has resurfaced in Keoladeo with almost all of its marshy land having dried up. As an after effect, skeletons of animals and collapsed birds have become a common sight.

The tourists who come to enjoy their time in the lap of the nature are going back disappointed. Some tourists have pointed out that proper water supply would have made the Park more lively and worth visiting. They believe the variety of birds that have become endangered could be saved.

"Had there been more water, then there would have been more species of birds that would have migrated. Efficient water supply is highly recommended," said Jennifer D'Souza, a tourist from the USA.

For some, the variety already in the Park was not enough. "We wanted to see more birds. I am sure we would have been able to with a little more water supply around here. I would still recommend my friends to come here," Mariline D'Souza from Mumbai said.

Authorities maintain the water crisis is not a result of ignorance on their part but due to lack of the State Government farsightedness. The Park authorities say a dam built in the nearby district and its raised height is the root cause of water shortage resulting in the deaths of the animals and birds.

However, there was no water crisis in the Park in last few decades. Last year in 2005, there was ample rainfall, which lasted for a few months.

"Problems started when a dam was built in Karauli district. Initially that did not pose any problem. But when the Government decided to raise its height, water supply to the Park was reduced. Water did not reach our reservoir in Azanbaan village. Hence there was a water shortage in the Park. This is the problem not only for us but the villages near the Park," said Vijay Kumar Saalwan, director of Keoladeo National Park.

Authorities are looking at maintaining the water level superficially by pumping the water to make the fish survive. But any substantial water scheme is still awaited.