The forest department has resolved the drinking water crisis that persisted for decades in Velladhotti, a tribal hamlet within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Erode district, under the 'Project Elephant' scheme. The village, which falls under the Germalam forest range in STR, is home to about 10 tribal families.

A senior forest official said the families previously had to travel more than 2 km across difficult terrain to fetch potable water. A few years ago, a borewell with a tank was constructed in the village through the local body to address the issue, but it did not have a solar facility. The official added that the department is considering implementing a similar initiative for the villages of Devarnatham and Pasuvakuttai as well.