Jamshedpur, May 16: Summer months bring with them an increase in the number of guests to Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, though the tourism department cannot claim credit for these visitors.

During this season, a drastic increase in the number of elephants is witnessed.The number of elephants in the sanctuary now stands at 80, which would go down to 15 after summer. The figures are based on a rough census carried out during Sendra or Bishu Shikaar — traditional tribal hunting festival — on May 12.

Water becomes scarce during the summer months, while availability of food also becomes a major problem with crops drying up due to excessive heat. But Dalma sanctuary is considered to be the ideal address for elephants during the hot summer months as the reserve has a perennial source of water and ample food supply.

“Elephants flock to Dalma sanctuary due to scarcity of food and water in their native forests,” said Sushil Oraon, the range officer of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sources said elephants from the Bengal border, Dhalbhumgarh, Ghatshila, Chaibasa and Saranda start migrating to Dalma from the last week of January. By mid-summer, the herds reach the Dalma hilltop and stay there till July.

Some of the herds arrive at Dalma via Dumaria, Nayagram, Dalapani and Kankrajhor, while others take the Patamda road.

With 67 waterholes in the sanctuary, the animals have plenty of water to quench their thirst. The greenery also helps in keeping the temperature comparatively low inside the sanctuary.

The waterholes are filled by perennial sources of water such as ponds and springs, some of which have their origin in Dalma.

However, there is a fear of scarcity of water in case the monsoon gets delayed this year. “Late monsoon might affect the level of water in the waterholes,” added Oraon.

However, the range officer’s worries could be unfounded as weather scientists expect monsoon to reach Jharkhand earlier than usual this year.