With summer at its peak, is there sufficient water in the waterholes? If not, how is the forest department catering to the water needs of wild animals?

There is water in all the waterholes - natural and manmade - except in Shirpur and Yawal where we fill the waterholes through water tanks every three days. We have covered the waterholes with polythene before filling water so that there is no percolation. Keeping in mind that leopards generally travel 3-5 km, we have constructed waterholes 3-5 km from the water bodies.

Do wild animals stray into human habitats in search of water and attack people as is the general belief?

Till now villagers have not complained of wild animals straying into villages for water or attacking them. We have posted five to six additional people for inspection and to get feedback from villagers about any such incidents.

How many forest fires have taken place and why?

Last month, there were forest fires at five places. Our staff members posted in the forests extinguished them. Forests generally catch fire due to human negligence. We are creating awareness among villagers to avoid such catastrophes.

We have also modified the traditional 'chulha' by placing a wire mesh on it which reduces consumption of firewood by 40-45%. We have conducted this exercise in Pendshet and Bhandardara.

How is the awareness drive about saving wood going?

The response has been good. Not just less wood is used, but there is lesser amount of smoke emitted as well. We have encouraged the usage of LPG and have provided it to 50 beneficiaries through our eco development committee, which consists of forest staff and villagers. The department pays 75% of the LPG cost and the beneficiary pays the rest. The demand is very good. We have provided 200 smokeless chulhas till now.

What is the general awareness about wildlife among villagers?

The villagers tell us that wildlife belongs to them as well and that they are conserving it. Awareness is gradually developing but more villagers need to be made aware. We have provided 200 solar lanterns in Bhandardhara village. We have also provided solar street lights.

What has been the response to the upgraded infrastructure at the Nandur Madhyameshwar bird sanctuary this year?

We had an overwhelming response. Despite charging Rs 20 as entry fee, we had 6,000 visitors during the peak period. We had the maximum number of visitors this year compared to other years. The number of birds migrating to the sanctuary has also increased this year. We have erected two watch towers with galleries, made gardens and a lawn, created parking space, repaired toilets, created a reception office, built a 20-bedded dormitory, have five tents, seven binoculars and six official tour guides.

Are timber mafias prevalent in the Nashik range?

Not many. There are some mafias in Yawal. We have deployed 12 ex-military people with rifles and around 40 of our staff near the sanctuary to keep a vigil on the mafia.

The cages at Nehru Udyan where the wild animals are kept after being captured are not very spacious. Are there any plans to improve upon that?

We have asked for new cages and will be getting them soon. A trap cage and a treatment cage, which are bigger in size, are expected to arrive any time.

What kind of wildlife is generally seen in the Nashik range?

Hyenas, leopards, foxes, wild boars and bears are commonly seen. While foxes are not harmful as perceived and are shy, their attack could be poisonous.

What about snakes in villages?

There is news about snakes spotted in villages but there are no reports of them being killed by villagers.

Last year, there were a number of instances of leopards straying into human habitats, including in Nashik city. They suddenly seem to have disappeared. What is the reason?

They must have changed their area of habitat. Leopards travel around 200 km.

What is the frequency of wildlife poaching?

In the past one-and-a-half years, there has been no instance of poaching in the Nashik range.

What are the obstacles you face while executing your projects?

Except for shortage of staff, which is the main obstacle, we do not face any hitch. We have enough funds and projects. We need at least two forest guards, two foresters and one range forest officer in most of our offices. We will be putting up a fresh proposal for it.