Assam: Flood affects World Heritage site Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve
Arindam Das | Senior Correspondent
The second wave of flood in Assam submerged 90% of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Though the flood scenario has improved 55% of the park is still reeling under flood waters.
Home to the world famous one horn rhino still submerged, Image courtesy: P Srinivas and Pobitora
Key Highlights
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in the outskirts also submerged by flood killing one rhino
- Overall flood scenario in Assam has improved, but over 3,50,000 people are still reeling under flood waters in 16 districts of the state
Dispur: Flood is a perennial problem faced by Assam every year. Apart from affecting human settlement and cultivable land flood also affects the various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the state. Flood is a boon as well as bane for these parks.
While is leaves a trail of destruction, the flood also helps to maintain the ecological balance to the flora and fauna. This time over 90% of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve was submerged under flood waters. A total of 39 wild animals died including one rhino which however park director, P Srinivas told Times Now was a natural death.
Image courtesy: P Srinivas and Pobitora
47 wild animals have been rescued from the flood-affected areas. 223 forest guard camps were also submerged. Though the flood scenario has improved, 55% of the park is still reeling under floodwaters.
The wild animals who fled the flood-affected areas are still taking shelter on highlands. With the flood affecting, the park authorities have also issued time cards to the vehicles plying on NH37 passing through the park restricting speed limit to 40 km/hour to avoid collision with the wild animals who cross the road.
But that also did not help much as 8 hog deer died while injuring one more in accidents caused by vehicles. On the other hand, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the outskirts of Guwahati which also houses one horn rhino was 90% submerged by floodwaters recording a rhino death due to drowning.
Image courtesy: Biju Boro
12 out of the 24 total forest camps were also submerged. Talking to Times Now, Pobitora DFO, Mukul Tamuli said that 55% of the park is still submerged. Meanwhile, the overall flood scenario has improved.
RELATED NEWS
According to the latest bulletin issued by Assam State Disaster Management Authority 3,54,137 people are still affected in 16 districts of the state and 795 people are taking shelter in 16 relief camps opened up by various district administration. So far 38 people lost their lives in the flood. There is also massive destruction to various infrastructure which is still being evaluated.
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