Villager’s pond in Tuz Khurmatu becomes lifeline for local wildlife

TUZ KHURMATU – In Haidarasur, a village in Salah Al-Din’s Tuz Khurmatu district, a rainwater pond built by local villager Hiwa Jasim has turned into a vital water source for the region’s wildlife.

Jasim told 964media, “The pond has become a refuge for hundreds of wild animals, including chukars, deer, wolves, foxes, and others.” He observed that the presence of the pond has led to an increase in the number of animals in the area, providing a stable source of water in a region that often faces water scarcity. “This area used to be very dry, but thankfully, all kinds of animals have increased in number,” Jasim added.

Constructed in 2023 as a personal and charitable effort, Jasim noted that the pond has been instrumental in preventing wildlife deaths due to dehydration. “By God’s grace, the pond is well-maintained, and it holds a significant amount of water. I built it solely for God’s satisfaction,” he stated.

Jasim has called on local environmental police to conduct regular checks every seven to ten days to deter poachers and protect the wildlife frequenting the pond, which measures over 500 meters in length, approximately 70 meters wide, and more than five meters deep.

This initiative reflects a broader community effort seen across the region to support local wildlife during the challenging summer months. For instance, in late June, volunteers in Belega, a village in the Kirfri district of Garmiyan, took up shovels to reopen and expand local water springs to combat severe heat and drought impacts on wildlife.

In March, another significant contribution was made by two cousins in the Kifri district who constructed a 300-meter long and over six-meter deep reservoir on their agricultural land. The reservoir not only aids crop irrigation but also supports local wildlife, with potential plans to develop a fishery.