Amreli: With the rise in scorching heat, as the mercury crosses the 40-degree mark, the forest department has set up artificial ponds across the Gir forest area. Lions and other wildlife will be able to drink water from the 254 ponds as the heatwave roars through the Gir Jungle.

Out of these 254, there are 82 natural ponds and 172 artificial ponds, which are being regularly filled with the help of solar tanks. Deputy Conservator of Forest Rajdeepsinh Zala and other officials will monitor these ponds regularly. The forest department keeps a close eye on these ponds so they don’t run dry.

A huge population of Asiatic lions resides in Gir, and the forest department is taking care of their water needs amid this summer heat. DeshGujarat