The Tadoda-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is fast adapting to environment-friendly water technology. After portable instant water purifiers Neeri-Zars and 'Phytorid' wastewater treatment technology, the park has decided to establish baseline water quality by collecting samples from artificial and natural water holes.
VK Sinha, chief conservator of forests ( CCF) & field director of TATR, confirmed that water samples will be collected from water holes and Tadoba lake in TATR by scientists from National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).
"The idea is to have descriptive water quality information in a format usable for park planning and management. It will ensure the integrity of park water quality, due to its importance in sustaining natural and park ecosystems," Sinha told TOI. The project will be implemented with the help of water technology and management division (WTMD) of NEERI.
Principal scientist and head of WTMD Pawankumar Labshetwar said NEERI has already collected water samples of Tadoba lake. The samples from artificial water holes will be collected in April when they are filled.
"We will establish a baseline of water quality. Although wild animals have good resistance power, we will find out whether such water can affect health of animals. No such studies have been done in the past," said Labshetwar.
The TATR is surrounded by many industrial units, power plant and coal mines. Besides, there is pressure from tourists. How pollution from all these elements affect TATR water is not known. The project includes retrieve water quality and related data and develop a complete inventory of all retrieved data park-based water quality data management system, it seems.
The TATR has already installed portable instant water purification system Neeri-Zars developed by NEERI at its protection huts. Besides, it is working on installing environment-friendly 'Phytorid' treatment technology system for disposal of waste water for rest houses and staff quarters. Sewage water entering the forests spoils its virginity and puts pressure on the eco-system, Sinha says.
Labshetwar said NEERI has also collected water from villages inside TATR. "We are compiling report on the samples taken," he added.