Assam: Kaziranga National Park Submerged in Floods

Golaghat, July 12, 2019:

The flood situation in Assam turned critical and has affected four lakh people across thousand plus villages in 17 districts, as per the latest reports.

The water level of the mighty Brahmaputra river has crossed the warning mark, causing great damage to life and property. “Water has crossed warning level, it is still not at the danger level. In one to two days, it can cross danger level here too,” said V Gandhiya, Section Officer, Inland Waterways Authority.

Meanwhile, the situation in the Kaziranga National Park has also turned dire with rising waters and the animals are suffering due to the flood-like situation that has permeated the National Park.

The animals are taking shelter near highlands in and around the park. Some animals have even relocated to the nearby Burapahahar to take shelter, which is unfortunate as they will become easy prey for poachers.

For the safety of the animals, the vehicles passing through the park area from Jakhalabandha to Numaligarh have been asked to maintain a speed limit of 40 kms/hour.

This has also compelled the authorities to issue advisory for vehicles moving on NH37 bordering the southern part of the park.

Section 144 CrPC (curfew) has also been imposed along the National Highway 37. The curfew has been imposed in view of the wild animals moving out of the forest areas to escape the inundated areas.

Animals, including the world famous one-horned rhinos, are reportedly taking shelter in highlands as the park was submerged in water earlier this week.The chief minister interacted through video conferencing with deputy commissioners and senior officials of Kaziranga as well as all national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

As per reports, Kaziranga officials fear the intensity and frequency of flooding will threaten the sanctuary's existence will only increase in future and have requested the Government to construct about 40 more highlands for the safety of animals.

Inside Northeast’s Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats (A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention). We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!