For the past 15 years, Harpal Singh Pali, a resident of Kanpur Khuhi village in Punjab’s Rupnagar (Ropar) district, has been using his personal tractor-tanker and funding the effort entirely from his own savings to provide water for wildlife in the Shivalik forests during the scorching summer months.
Popularly known as the “Water Man of Ropar”, Pali refills around 25 water holes and maintains rainwater harvesting ponds across a five-kilometre forest stretch, helping species such as sambar deer, wild boars, nilgai (blue bulls) and peacocks survive as natural water sources dry up.
His efforts have also helped reduce instances of animals venturing into nearby villages in search of water, thereby lowering the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
Forest officials have acknowledged the ecological value of his work, with Ropar Divisional Forest Officer Kanwardeep Singh stating that community-led contributions like Pali’s support both wildlife conservation and forest preservation in the fragile Shivalik ecosystem.
A Lifeline Through Summers
Every alternate day during Punjab’s harsh summer season, when temperatures soar and seasonal streams and ponds begin to disappear, Harpal Singh Pali sets out before dawn with a tanker full of water for the forests near his village.
What began as a personal act of compassion has evolved into a sustained conservation effort spanning more than a decade. Pali has constructed and maintained a network of water points, including 25 water holes and several rainwater harvesting ponds, 15 of which have been reinforced with concrete to withstand repeated refilling and intense weather conditions.
According to Pali, wildlife has become so accustomed to his routine that animals often gather near the water sources in anticipation of his arrival. “Wild boars, sambar deer, blue bulls and peacocks all gather near the water holes, sometimes waiting for me to arrive,” he said.
Despite increasing fuel and maintenance costs, Pali has refused financial assistance or donations, choosing instead to fund the initiative from his own earnings. “I have never accepted a single rupee.
I fund it from my own pocket,” he said, adding that he dedicates around ten per cent of his income to wildlife welfare because he believes the blessings of animals have contributed to his prosperity.
Beyond quenching thirst, the water points provide animals with a reliable source of sustenance deep within the forest, reducing their need to move into human settlements.
Inspired By Childhood Promise
The roots of Pali’s mission can be traced back to a childhood memory that has stayed with him for decades. As a six-year-old boy, he accompanied his mother to a small water hole near their village, where they carried earthen pots and poured water into a shallow pit used by wildlife.
He vividly remembers peacocks gathering nearby as they worked. The experience left a lasting impression, inspiring him to continue the practice on a larger scale when he grew older. Over time, that childhood promise became a personal conservation movement.
In addition to maintaining water sources, Pali has rescued several injured animals that were harmed by poaching attempts or attacked by stray dogs. He often speaks about a rescued sambar deer that continues to visit his home, describing the animal as “part of the family”.
His efforts have also attracted recognition from forest authorities. Ropar Divisional Forest Officer Kanwardeep Singh noted that much of the Shivalik region falls under the Punjab Land Preservation Act because of its susceptibility to soil erosion.
According to Singh, the ponds and water holes maintained by Pali contribute to water retention, support vegetation growth and strengthen biodiversity in the region during the dry season. “Any community contribution towards preserving wildlife and forests is welcome,” Singh said.
Conservation experts have long highlighted the importance of locally driven environmental stewardship, particularly in areas where climate change and rising temperatures are placing additional stress on ecosystems.
Pali’s work demonstrates how individual action can complement broader conservation efforts and create tangible benefits for both wildlife and local communities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Harpal Singh Pali’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with personal responsibility and compassion. At a time when conversations around environmental protection frequently focus on large-scale policies, funding and institutional interventions, Pali’s commitment shows that ordinary citizens can also play an extraordinary role in safeguarding nature.
His efforts not only provide water to thirsty animals but also promote peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife by reducing the likelihood of conflict in villages bordering forest areas. Equally significant is the message his work sends about empathy that care for the natural world is not separate from human well-being but deeply interconnected with it.
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