Assam: Animals clash with humans amid floods with 47 dead in Kaziranga

The Kaziranga National park is badly affected with 95% area submerged and according to Forest department report, a total of 47 animals have died in this flood season and 70 animals have been rescued. In Assam itself, so far, 13,30,965 big animals, 7,59,717 small animals and 12,85,754 poultry affected as per Assam State Disaster Management Authority. As such, the risk of the animals to suffer from the flood has increased manifold.

The peripheries of Kaziranga including the areas as far Dergaon have been submerged badly under the water. This creates a big problem for the animals on the lookout for highland areas. Traditionally animals during the time of floods move towards the Karbi Anglong side of forest since it was the high rise but now with systematic human encroachment and urbanisation hinders that movement.

Inside Northeast spoke to Ramesh Gogoi DCF Kaziranga, who spoke on the issue. "The water has lessened now compared to the earlier levels, however few of the lives have been lost". On the issue of the blockage of animal corridors and the exposure of risks for the animals, Gogoi said, "Corridors are not defined although there are 9 of them, so there is no clear demarcation. But, yes their movements might get affected".

Also read: Assam flood: 71 deaths, about 40 lakh people still affected in 3,218 villages

The paradox of floods: Kaziranga

Amid the concerns of floods, there is another paradox. The floods rejuvenate the National Park every year by depositing alluvial soil and other sediments. This is considered to be a healthy wipeout, which maintains the ecology of the park. However, since time immemorial when that happens the animals had the facility to shift to high lands. With the increased human population in the peripheries, this organic tradition now sees increasing man-animal conflicts. On this aspect, Ramesh Gogoi said, "Basically, they reach the national highway stretch for highland and that has led to few mishaps. So far, 12 deers have died this year due to that. Some animals have even entered villages and few tigers have taken refuse their".

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