For 15 years, Ropar’s water man has been quenching thirst of wildlife in Shivalik hills
Pali, a resident of Kanpur Khuhi village in Ropar district, has constructed 25 water holes and several rain harvesting ponds across a five km stretch of forest. He fills these with water nearly every alternate day during the summer, using his personal tractor-tanker
As the sweltering summer heat has started scorching Punjab’s Shivalik hills, wild animals in the forest areas of Kanpur Khuhi eagerly wait for the rumble of a tractor. It’s not just any vehicle, it’s the water tanker driven by Harpal Singh Pali, fondly known among locals as the ‘water man’.
For the past 15 years, he has made it his mission to quench the thirst of wildlife during the region’s harsh summer months.
Ropar DFO Kanwardeep Singh appreciated the efforts of Pali. He said most of the Shivalik hills are protected under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) as the area was prone to massive soil erosion.
Pali’s work was helping retain water in the forest area, which, besides providing water to wild animals in the summer, also helps preserve vegetation in the area. Any community contribution towards preserving wildlife and forests was welcome, he added.
Harpal Singh Pali has constructed 25 water holes and several rain harvesting ponds across a five-km stretch of forest.
Pali, a resident of Kanpur Khuhi village in Ropar district, has constructed 25 water holes and several rain harvesting ponds across a five km stretch of forest. He fills these with water nearly every alternate day during the summer, using his personal tractor-tanker.
“Wild boars, sambar deer, blue bulls, and peacocks all gather near the water holes, sometimes waiting for me to arrive,” he said, with pride lighting up his eyes.
The inspiration for this remarkable mission, he says, came from his mother. “When I was six years old, I used to accompany my mother as she carried earthen pots to fill a water hole near our village,” Pali recalled.
“Peacocks would gather around us, and those childhood memories left a deep impression. I decided I would continue her work in a bigger way when I grew up,” he said.
True to his word, Pali has not only continued but significantly expanded the effort. Of the 25 water holes, 15 are made of concrete to ensure durability and easy refilling.
“From March to August, water scarcity in the Shivalik region becomes severe. Often, wild animals venture close to human habitations in search of water, which can lead to conflicts. By maintaining water sources in the forest, we are reducing such encounters and keeping both animals and villagers safe,” he explained.
Despite the increasing costs of fuel and maintenance, Pali has never sought financial aid from the government or private entities.
“I have never accepted a single rupee. I fund it from my own pocket. I believe the blessings of wild animals have helped my livelihood prosper. That is why I dedicate 10 percent of my income to wildlife welfare,” he said.
His compassion extends beyond water conservation. Pali has also rescued several injured wild animals, including victims of dog attacks and poaching attempts. One such rescue, a sambar deer, now shares a remarkable bond with his family.
“That sambar visits our home regularly. It is like a member of our family now,” he said with a smile.
In a world where human-animal conflicts and environmental degradation are on the rise, Pali stands out as a heartening example of how one individual’s dedication can create a lasting positive impact.
