Assam Flood: Animals Search For Shelter As 100 Forest Camps In Kaziranga Submerged

Kaziranga: The rising water levels in Assam have affected more than 100 (43 per cent) of the 233 forest camps at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. 

With a significant portion of forest camps and wildlife habitats submerged, the animals were spotted crossing National Highway 715 in search of shelter and higher ground towards the southern direction in the East Karbi Anglong district.

A total of 101 forest camps have submerged, across Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, including 35 camps in the Agoratoli range, 21 in Kaziranga, 10 in Bagori, five in the Burhapahar range and nine in Bokakhat. 

Of the total habitats submerged, six have been vacated. Till now, no death of animals has been reported due to floods or accidents while crossing the highway. 

On the other hand, 21 forest camps in the Biswanath Wildlife Division of the national park have been inundated, the report added.

"Kaziranga National Park is well-prepared for the upcoming flood season with comprehensive measures in place to ensure the safety of wildlife, staff and visitors. Continuous monitoring and timely interventions will be prioritised to mitigate the impact of flooding," the report said.

It said that herds of elephants have begun moving towards East Karbi Anglong through Hati Dandi corridor and animal sensors are in place to detect the movement.

"Joint patrolling by commando action groups and forest teams is being conducted regularly. Additional staff from neighbouring divisions have been deployed to intensify patrolling. Joint patrolling in the fringe areas of the park is being carried out by Forest and Police Departments," the report said.

The Kaziranga National Park (KNP) authority has set up a dedicated floodwater gauge station with support from the Central Water Commission, while rescue teams and veterinary care units are on standby for immediate deployment.

"Boats, boatlines, barricades, raincoats, rescue materials and medicines have been procured and are already deployed. Country boats, speedboats and mechanized boats have been strategically deployed in key areas for swift response," the bulletin said.

Sec 144 For Animals to Cross NH-715

The Golaghat district administration on Sunday evening issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC to safeguard the animals crossing the NH-715, which passes through KNP.

Stating that the highway attracts huge traffic, Golaghat District Magistrate Vivek Shyam Pangyok said, "Plying of vehicles during active flood attracts unwarranted risk and a cause for imminent threat to wild animals." 

He added the animals use the corridors to temporarily migrate to the natural highland (hillocks) for shelter falling under Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.