Hydrological investigations and water resources management for wildlife sanctuary in central India

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.