Elephants go thirsty as acute water crisis hits Rajasthan

JAIPUR - As Rajasthan reels under acute water crisis, elephants used for ferrying visitors at the majestic Amer fort near Jaipur are also feeling the pinch.

With summer approaching, most water bodies, including the Mawtha pond at the bottom of Amer fort, have dried up causing over 100 elephants employed at the fort to face difficult times in meeting their water requirements.

Elephant owners have resorted to purchasing water tankers every day to maintain their animals, which adds to their expenses.

“We are facing acute shortage of water…we order two-three water tankers daily which adds to our costs….we are spending 1,600 to 1,700 rupees per day to meet their water needs alone, said Shafiq, an elephant owner.

The elephant owners have now demanded that the government supplies sufficient water to protect their elephants.

“The tough times have started for the elephants. We are facing difficulties in arranging water for elephants and we fear that this will create more problems during summers…we have written o the state government for our problems and asked to pour at least 10 tankers daily in the elephant pond of the village,” said Shyam Gupta, General Secretary, Elephant Owners Association, Amer. (ANI)