Jaisalmer: The Indian Army has restored two neglected ponds in western Rajasthan’s Thar Desert to improve water availability for wildlife amid severe water scarcity.The initiative was undertaken by Konark Corps under the Army’s Southern Command, in collaboration with an engineer regiment, as temperatures in the region approached 50 degrees Celsius this year, drying up natural water sources.Army officials said the two ponds were cleaned, desilted, and deepened, with repair work carried out to increase their water-holding capacity. The restored ponds are expected to collect rainwater, help recharge groundwater, and provide water for wildlife and nearby villages.During summer, animals in the arid region often venture beyond their natural habitats in search of water, exposing themselves to extreme heat and dehydration. The restored water bodies are expected to improve access to water within their habitats.Wildlife activity around the ponds has reportedly increased, with chinkaras, nilgai, desert foxes, rabbits and local bird species visiting the sites. The region is also home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, making habitat conservation particularly important.Residents said wild animals had previously strayed into villages and agricultural fields in search of water, sometimes leading to human-wildlife conflict. Improved water availability in their natural habitats could help reduce such encounters.Environmentalists and wildlife conservationists have welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of sustained coordination among the Army, forest department, social organisations and local communities to protect Thar Desert’s fragile ecosystem.
