Atei Reserve experiences significant summer dryness, making water availability a major challenge. Strategically developed and maintained waterbodies help provide uninterrupted drinking water to wildlife, even during peak summer.

Forest staff regularly inspect and maintain these water points. Many locations are supported by solar pumps, borewell-based refilling systems, and rainwater harvesting techniques to ensure constant water supply.

These efforts greatly reduce water stress on animals and promote healthy, natural movement patterns within forest territories without forcing wildlife into human settlements.

The Durgudshila Water Project is one of the most successful water security initiatives in Atei Reserve. This innovative project ensures year-round water availability even in hard-to-access forest interiors.

Key benefits of the project include:

• ✔ Multiple water points remain functional throughout summer
• ✔ Critical hydration support for elephants, deer herds, birds and predators
• ✔ Significant reduction in wildlife movement toward village areas
• ✔ Growth of vegetation and improved ecosystem productivity
• ✔ Creation of long-term water-secured wildlife zones

With deep borewells, gravity-fed water channels, and protected reservoirs, the Durgudshila Water Project stands as a model of modern wildlife water management within Odisha forests.