Abstract:
The important hydrological issues in Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
(NWLS) are development of water resources, development of flora and fauna,
trouble-free water availability for wildlife and retention of soil moisture for
maximum forest growth. In the present study, the surface and groundwater
resources of the sanctuary were estimated using water balance method. The
results show that the sanctuary yields adequate runoff and groundwater
recharge contributing to local aquifer system. The rivers in the sanctuary area
are of an ephemeral nature which necessitates the construction of water storage
structures in the sanctuary. Most of earthen dams constructed to meet wildlife
water demand in the sanctuary were found to be widespread and shallow
having significant leakage losses through their earthen bunds. The water-pools
and springs are also the sources of water but many of them are not reliable
enough to meet the water demand of wildlife. Most of the water sources are
getting dried in summer season causing increasing man-animal conflict in the
sanctuary.
