TN to install solar-powered borewells in forests

Chennai, Aug 26 (IANS) Tamil Nadu government will drill borewells and install solar-powered motors to pump water to overhead tank in forests and sanctuaries to prevent wild animals from getting into villages in search of water during summer.

The government said in a statement here Monday that forest animals venture into human habitation in search of water when water bodies in forests dry up in summer when the monsoon fails.

According to the statement, water would be pumped to overhead tank through submersible solar pumps and would be used when needed.

Water from the overhead tank will also be stored in open grounds for animals to drink and also be used to douse forest fires.

Tamil Nadu government will install the bore wells and overhead tanks in Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and Kalakkadu Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the state.

This apart the government will also install 26 solar powered bore wells but without overhead tanks in the four tiger reserves and other forest reserve areas in Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore and Vellore districts.