The importation of a remote solar-based water lift system to Madhya Pradesh has turned into a lifesaver for cheetah cubs at Kuno National Park as part of a new round of efforts to ensure the survival of vulnerable wildlife under the harsh conditions of extreme summer. Due to the high temperatures that reached almost 48 degrees C in central and northwestern India in June, the lack of water became a significant risk to the lives of newborn wildlife (particularly cheetah cubs).
However, this time round, the cheetah conservation team at Kuno was better prepared. Based on the unfortunate demise of three cheetah cubs that were successfully born to a Namibian cheetah, Jwala, in May 2023, authorities fitted a solar-powered pump system to withdraw water from the Kuno River. This water is further pumped to various sites of over 15 locations all over the park via an 8.6-kilometer pipe. This entails sprinklers and water saucers to care of localized green patches, as well as generating drinking water and cooling areas for wildlife.
Uttam Kumar Sharma, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Chief of the Cheetah Project, informs that the project has been successful mainly in newborn cubs and mothers as well, who have often been found using these water points. In one video posted on social media, Sharma pointed out how the shortage of water can be felt painfully, especially in the harsh summer months when it is dealt with by the vicious winds of the loo, and the intense heat.
In February 2025, Veera, a cheetah belonging to South Africa, had two cubs, and later in April, Nirva, another South African cheetah, had five cubs. Two of Nirva’s cubs have unfortunately passed away, but the rest were reported to have been doing well, in part because they have better access to water.
This example of a solar-powered water system indicates the relevance of game-changing, sustainable initiatives to protect wildlife, as weather conditions are becoming more severe due to climate change.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News