Bengaluru NGO helps replenish water sources inside Turahalli forest

PfA Wildlife Hospital, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating urban wildlife, is running Operation Thirst Quenching to ensure regular replenishment of water supplies in the Turahalli forest in Bengaluru.

Spotted deer are among the most frequently rescued animals on the Turahalli forest fringes every summer and are often found injured after encountering dangers, including road accidents, that arise when they venture outside forest areas, the non-governmental organization said.

“In 2025 alone, PfA saved many spotted deer under these conditions,” the statement said.

PfA Wildlife Hospital, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of urban wildlife, runs Operation Thirst Quenching to ensure regular replenishment of water supplies in the Turahalli forest. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

He added that during the peak of summer, deer, peacocks, golden jackals, jackdaws and mynas are often rescued near forest boundaries; This highlighted the increasing stress on wildlife due to drying up of water sources.

“When water sources inside forests dry up, animals are forced to go out in search of water. That’s when we see an increase in injuries, conflicts and distress; much of which is preventable,” the colonel said. Dr. Navaz Shariff, Chief Wildlife Veterinarian, PfA Wildlife Hospital.

According to the PfA Wildlife Hospital, spotted deer are among the most frequently rescued animals on the edges of the Turahalli forest, often found injured after encountering the dangers that arise when they stray outside forest areas. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

He added that the Operation Thirst Quenching initiative focuses on replenishing critical water resources within the Turahalli Forest through daily water tanker deployments and installation of water tankers and water troughs strategically installed throughout Turahalli and NW kaval forest areas, as well as recharging and sustaining existing natural water resources in the forest ecosystem.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Karnataka Forest Department and with the support of the citizens of Bengaluru.

Dr. “Providing water within the forest is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect wildlife and reduce conflict with humans,” Shariff said.

The Operation Thirst Quenching initiative focuses on replenishing critical water resources within the Turahalli Forest through daily water tanker deployments and installation of water troughs. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

The forest is home to a rich diversity of species such as leopard, spotted deer, wild boar, golden jackal, mongoose, rabbit and peacock, as well as birds such as owls, barbets, cuckoos, babblers and white-rumped shamas, and various species of snakes.

PfA underlined that it continues to receive many rescue calls every day for dehydrated animals and birds, and that there is an urgent need for constant water support both within forests and in urban areas.