Open Wells Conservation Project

Unlined earthen pores known as open wells provide access to groundwater. However, the presence of these wells can be regarded as a double-edged sword. While allowing society to relocate away from rivers, and providing access to water to irrigate agricultural fields, these wells began to simultaneously spell doom to a host of wild animals. The buffer zones that separate populated and woodland areas are scattered with several uncovered wells that range from 1 to 70 metres in depth and 2 to 20 metres in diameter. Most wells don’t have any sort of lid or barrier walls to prevent animals from accidentally falling into it.

With no means of escape, these animals either drown (in case the well is filled) or perish because of starvation and injuries sustained (dry wells). Wildlife SOS has rescued several leopards, barn owls, sambar deer, cobras, jackals, civets and other animals from these open wells. In 2022, after undertaking years of field research, Wildlife SOS launched the Open Wells Conservation Project, a massive initiative to cover Maharashtra’s open wells. This is an effort to turn the state into a safe haven for leopards as well as other species. 

Our crew discovered that because the majority of the wells continue to be an essential supply of water for communities, filling them was not an option. Additionally, the well’s location and the local wildlife affected the risk posed by it. In order to determine the risks an open well poses, our team simultaneously identified the wells which are prone to accidental falls and from which we have saved animals. Wildlife SOS strives to cover these wells with utmost care by using expert welders and strong materials to survive future deterioration.