Facing an acute water shortage, wild animals in Telmachhara Forest, located in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj, are flocking to artificial water reservoirs near human settlements.

Due to the ongoing dry season, animals are gathering at an artificial reservoir in front of the Telmachhara Forest Office. Some are even venturing into nearby localities in search of water, making them vulnerable to poachers.

Locals say many animals, driven by thirst, are taking significant risks to survive.

Telmachhara forest, adjacent to Satchari National Park, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, but the scarcity of natural water sources during the summer months poses a severe threat to their survival.

Mehedi Hasan, beat officer at the Telmachhara Forest Office, said the forest spans 1,626 acres, most of which is high and hilly terrain.

"As a result, water does not accumulate anywhere. In some areas, rainwater has mixed with soil and sand, filling natural depressions. This has worsened the crisis, as there is no water where it normally should be. Even though there were a few days of rain recently, all the water has dried up," he added.

Md Anisur Rahman, in charge of the Sreemangal Meteorological Observatory, said the region usually receives 81mm of rain in April. While the tally for April this year has not been compiled, there has been less rain this year compared to previous years.

Sadiqur Rahman, a staff member at the Telmachhara office, said plans are underway to create a pond under the initiative of the divisional forest officer to solve the water crisis.

When contacted, Jamil Mohammad Khan, assistant conservator of forests for the Habiganj and Moulvibazar area, said they have received an application to build a pond for the wild animals. It has already been forwarded to higher authorities.

Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary of the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon Habiganj unit, said deforestation is the main cause of water shortages.

He added that during the last rainy season, large amounts of soil eroded and filled up the streams in the forest, drastically reducing their capacity for water retention. Temporary embankments in the streams for five to six months could, to some extent, meet the wild animals' need for water.

Zahangir Alam, divisional forest officer in Sylhet, said that not only wild boars, but also barking deer, monkeys, porcupines, and snakes, are coming to drink from the artificial reservoir.

"We are now taking swift steps to build a larger pond in a quieter area inside the forest," he added.