Annual flood wreaks havoc in Assam's Kaziranga National Park; 121 wild animals rescued

Almost 26 districts of Assam continue to reel under floods. Apart from putting human lives in danger, annual floods have so far claimed 76 wild animals including five one-horned rhiceros. 

With a vast portion of Kaziranga National Park inundated by floodwaters of Brahmaputra, 82 forest camps are still underwater out of 155 that exist in Eastern Assam Wildlife Division. According to officials, six camps have been vacated following heavy floods. 

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Photo Credit: HEMANTA SINGHA

Official data says that as on date, 16 camps in Agratoli, 31 in Kaziranga, 28 in Bagori, seven in Burhapahar, three in Biswanath, and 14 camps in Nagaon Wildlife Division have been inundated.

casualty reported so far particularly from Kaziranga National Park includes five Rhis, two wild buffaloes, 61 hog deer among ors. Out of total 76 deaths reported, drowning has been reason in 31 cases (including 4 rhis), whereas 18 deaths have been reported due to vehicle hit. 

So far, around 121 wild animals have been rescued by authorities which also include 2 rhiceros, 101 hog deers, and 11 pythons. 

Photo Credit: HEMANTA SINGHA

It may be mentioned that careless driving on National Highway that passes through Kaziranga National Park has been a major cause of animal deaths during peak flood season every year as animals often cross highway to reach higher places to save mselves from floods.

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This time, card provision is being implemented in area, to ensure overspeeding. Fine has been slapped on violators as well. According to time card provision, any vehicle is t allowed to reach next check post before a stipulated time. If one reaches post before time, vehicle needs to pay a penalty. This provision has helped in bringing down number of vehicle hit deaths on National Highway, apart from ensuring overspeeding in National Park area and particularly in animal corridors. 

On a positive te, this time poaching activity has been so far reported from Kaziranga National Park. Poachers have always taken advant of animal migration from low lying areas to higher places during annual floods.