A distressing incident from Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region has highlighted the severe impact of rising temperatures on wildlife, after a monkey reportedly
stopped a moving state transport bus in search of water. The event occurred in Yavatmal district’s Khandala Ghat area near Pusad, where a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus travelling from Washim to Pusad was passing through the forested stretch around 3 pm on Wednesday, according to an NDTV report. Passengers said a monkey suddenly came onto the road and stood in front of the bus, forcing the driver to stop. At first, the driver and passengers tried to drive the animal away, but it refused to move. Observing its condition, passengers realised the monkey appeared weak and dehydrated due to the intense heat and offered it water. The monkey immediately started drinking, and shortly after, several other monkeys reportedly came out of the nearby forest and gathered around the bus. What followed, according to passengers, was a distressing scene as the animals appeared exhausted and desperately searched for water. Travellers on board stepped in to help, handing over drinking water bottles to the thirsty animals. Videos captured by passengers have since circulated widely on social media, with users describing the visuals as “heartbreaking” and a stark reminder of worsening heat conditions.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the impact of extreme summer heat and water scarcity on wildlife in Maharashtra, particularly in the drought-prone Vidarbha region, where temperatures have been soaring in recent weeks.
While forest officials typically set up water sources and artificial watering points during peak summer, local residents and social media users have questioned whether sufficient arrangements exist in forest areas around Khandala Ghat. Some have also criticised the Forest Department, saying such incidents indicate gaps in wildlife water management during extreme heat.
