Ancient ‘Chelima’ pits revived to help wildlife survive heat in Kawal Tiger Reserve

Jannaram, Telangana: A traditional water-harvesting method is making a comeback in the forests of the Kawal Tiger Reserve to help animals cope with rising temperatures.

Rural communities once relied on ‘Chelima’ — small pits dug in stream beds — to access naturally filtered water. Now forest officials are using the same simple technique to create drinking points for wildlife as heat dries up natural sources.

In the Jannaram forest division, teams are digging 4×4 foot pits, about one foot deep, in dried stream beds where moisture remains. The pits allow water to slowly seep in, giving animals and birds easy access. “These pits make it easier for animals and birds to drink water. It is a simple method, but effective,” Divisional Forest Officer M Ram Mohan told TNIE.

With most natural sources drying up in the intense heat, officials have ramped up water efforts across the reserve. Alongside the Chelima initiative, tanks are being filled through solar borewells in areas where streams have vanished. Water tankers are also being used to fill saucer pits in parts of Mancherial district.

Around 60 water holes have already been created, with a target of 150 across the division, Ram Mohan said. Forest watchers identify moisture pockets along stream beds — often every half kilometre — and dig pits with small steps so animals can reach the water.

Teams monitor the pits regularly. Animal movement often causes sand to collapse into them, and fallen leaves can cover the surface. Crews clean and maintain the Chelimas to keep them visible and usable for wildlife.