As temperatures soar in Gujarat this summer, the Forest Department has initiated cooling measures at the Indroda Nature Park in Gandhinagar. These efforts, overseen by Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali, aim to alleviate heat stress for both captive and free-roaming animals. The measures, in place since April and led by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, will persist until the monsoon arrives.
The park, home to over 600 animals including lions, tigers, leopards, crocodiles, porcupines, and various birds, faces challenges due to the ongoing heatwave-like conditions in the state. To combat the heat, 15 jumbo air coolers have been installed in carnivore enclosures and the reptile house. Additionally, 20 high-pressure pop-up sprinklers have been set up in open areas, operating from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. to provide evaporative cooling and reduce ambient temperatures.
To further cool the enclosures, traditional methods like khus curtains and agro-net shading structures have been employed. These interventions, coupled with revised dietary plans for the animals, have successfully lowered internal temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius compared to external conditions. The animals’ diets have been adjusted to account for the heat, with carnivores receiving reduced food portions and herbivores being offered water-rich fruits and supplements to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
In addition to the captive animals, the park also houses free-roaming wildlife such as langurs, nilgai, peacocks, and porcupines. To ensure their well-being, multiple water points have been established throughout the forest area, with veterinary services available round the clock for health monitoring and emergency care. The Forest Department’s efforts, including environmental modifications and dietary adjustments, aim to safeguard animal welfare and provide a stable environment amidst the prevailing high temperatures in the region.
