UST Global Foundation, 4Socio with Tamil Nadu Forest Department help Lakshmi

A hot summer day in the jungles of Coimbatore that spans 694 sq km. A tired, parched and distraught elephant named Lakshmi wandered into a nearby village. She was wayward and irritated. For days, Lakshmi had roamed the forest in search of water, only to find the streams dried up and the ponds empty. Her need for water was so great that she ventured beyond her familiar territory, risking the dangers of human contact. The villagers, startled by her sudden appearance, watched anxiously as she approached a small, drying well in the center of their settlement.

Lakshmi’s Story is not Unique. 

Like many other animals in the region, she was forced to leave the safety of the forest in search of water. Coimbatore, known for its dry forest regions, is home to a variety of wildlife that face immense challenges, particularly during the summer. Incidents like these have been increasing, with over a hundred reported cases of wildlife each year. In addition, food scarcity worsens the situation, with animals struggling to find nourishment. 

The situation is a stark reminder of how closely our lives are deeply intertwined with the natural world - and how, when nature suffers, we all suffer.

Recognising the severity of the problem, our task force consisting of

- Mr. Sunil Balakrishnan, Mr. Chandrasekaran Sundaresan, Ms. Smitha Sharma, Mr. Karthik KR, Mr. Sivakumar Joghee Arjunan, Ms. Madhumita R, Mr. Ramachandran Radhakrishnan, and Mr. Vineeth Mohanan of UST Global Foundation,

- Senior Officials of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department (Coimbatore Division) and

- 4SOCIO

We called this - Project Paryavarana!

Our mission was to restore existing and create new water troughs in the forests of Periyanayakkanpalayam, Karamadai, Mettupalayam, Sirumugai, and Coimbatore. These troughs, which are essential for sustaining wildlife during the dry season, were out of maintenance, leaving animals like Lakshmi with no choice but to seek water elsewhere.

Restoring Hope for Wildlife

The project was no small task. Our team, along with dedicated volunteers and local village folk, worked tirelessly to repair damaged troughs, deepening borewells, replacing old pipelines, and installing solar-powered water pumps. Each trough was strategically located in areas where animal movement was frequent, ensuring that wildlife would have easy access to clean water.

Here is a trough design that was eventually implemented in 60 working days across multiple regions in the forest area.

We also introduced regular maintenance of these water sources, with volunteers from nearby tribal villages to prevent contamination and ensure that they remained operational. For the animals, these troughs were a blessing—no longer would they have to venture into human territories in search of water.

More Than Just Water

But our efforts didn’t stop at water. Understanding that a thriving ecosystem requires more than hydration, we initiated the planting of fruit-based native trees around the trough. To further support the wildlife, we initiated the planting of green cover around the troughs. Wastewater from the troughs was redirected to nourish these new plantations, creating a self-sustaining environment that provided food and shelter for various species, including birds that benefited from the increased water and food sources.

To address the mineral deficiencies animals face during the dry season, we installed salt licks near the troughs. These blocks provided essential nutrients, helping to maintain the health of wildlife even when the soil lacked the necessary minerals.

Empowering Wildlife through Public-Private Partnership

What made this project truly special was the involvement of the local community, the authorities, corporations and nonprofits working hand in hand. The locals who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations played a crucial role in monitoring and maintaining the troughs. Their intimate knowledge of the land and its wildlife was invaluable, ensuring the success of this initiative.

We also engaged student volunteers from nearby colleges, who assisted in tracking and monitoring wildlife activity around the troughs. This not only provided us with valuable data but also helped raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of wildlife conservation.

A Future of Coexistence

Lakshmi’s journey for water has a hopeful ending. With restored water sources and new food provisions, she and countless other animals can now remain within the safety of the forest, reducing the risks of human-wildlife conflict. But this is just the beginning.

As we look to the future, we plan to expand our efforts by constructing additional troughs and extending solar power capabilities, and planting more fruit-based trees. Our goal is to ensure that every part of the forest is equipped to support its diverse inhabitants, creating a safe haven for wildlife.

At 4Socio we believe that initiatives like these are vital for preserving the delicate balance between nature and humanity. By supporting and participating in such projects, corporations can play a pivotal role in protecting our planet’s precious ecosystems.

Millions like Lakshmi need our support!

We thank the UST Global Foundation and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department (Coimbatore Division) for their invaluable support in Project Paryavarana.

To be a part of such initiatives, reach out to us at info@4socio.com