Pune: Environmentalists and wildlife activists have highlighted the alleged neglect of waterholes in the Junnar forest division, warning that a failure to replenish critical water sources would force wild animals to travel longer distances to quench their thirst and increase risk of conflict with humans.Several natural and artificial waterholes in forest areas under the Junnar division have reportedly dried up with summer intensifying across Maharashtra.Activists said the forest department has not undertaken adequate measures to refill or maintain water sources, despite repeated warnings and representations. “It is a predictable seasonal crisis, yet the response is inadequate. Every year, water scarcity builds up in forests, but timely action is missing. Resultantly, animals are pushed out of their natural habitats,” said environmentalist Ramesh Gaikwad.The Junnar forest division includes ecologically sensitive zones as well as wildlife corridors, and is home to species such as leopards, deer, wild boars and several smaller mammals and birds.Experts said the drying up of waterholes disrupts the natural movement patterns of animals, pushing them into agricultural fields and human settlements. “Water availability inside forests is crucial to keep wildlife within natural ecosystems. Animals have no option but to move towards villages, when waterholes dry up. It endangers human lives and puts animals at risk of injury, capture or even death,” said activist Sneha Kale.Assistant conservator of forest, Junnar division, Smita Rajhans told TOI: “We have over 200 waterholes across the division spread over Junnar, Ambegaon, Shirur and Khed tehsils. These have dried up and we are in the process of filling them by employing local tanker services.”Villagers living in areas bordering forests have reported an increase in sightings of wild animals, particularly early in the morning and late evening. Farmers fear crop damage and potential attacks. Conservationists said such encounters are preventable with better forest management.Activists also alleged that though funds and resources for waterhole maintenance are allocated every year, the on-ground situation remains inconsistent. “There is a gap between planning and execution. Simple interventions like deploying water tankers, repairing existing structures and desilting can make a huge difference,” said environmental campaigner Anil Pawar.A senior forest official said, “This year, we have financial constraints and have not deployed tanker services, so far.” Efforts are underway to address the issue, but logistics and rising temperatures are a challenge, said other officials.Activists and farmers have urged the forest department to plan proactively and take immediate corrective steps — including mapping critical dry zones, ensuring regular water supply through tankers and setting up solar-powered pumps where feasible. Long-term measures, such as watershed management and rainwater harvesting within forest areas, have also been recommended.“This is not just about wildlife conservation, but maintaining ecological balance. If we fail to act now, the consequences will be visible not just in forests, but in villages and cities as well,” Kale added.
