Guwahati, July 2: The flood situation in Kaziranga National Park has taken a dire turn, with four Hog Deers dying and 167 forest camps submerged in water, as of Tuesday afternoon.
The authorities have rescued 24 animals and evacuated 8 forest camps. Assam has a total of 233 forest camps, with 167 camps currently under deluge with water level reaching 5 feet.
Meanwhile, the park’s famed wildlife, including herds of elephants, are migrating to safer areas through designated corridors. Rhinos and Deers have taken refuge in the highlands of Kaziranga National Park with the season’s second flood.
Most parts of the world heritage Park are submerged. Most animals have moved out of the park that’s home to the world’s largest population of one-horn Rhino, swamp deer, water Buffalo and Asiatic Elephants. The animals have fled the surging water, crossing the busy NH37 to the hills on the other side.
According to park authorities, all 34 camps in the Agratoli range, 48 in the Kaziranga range, 29 in the Bagori range, 13 in the Burhapahar range, 7 in the Bokakhat range, 22 in the Biswanath Wildlife Division, and 14 in Nagaon Wildlife Division have been affected. A wooden bridge near the Moshguli Camp in Agoratoli Range was washed away by floodwaters on Monday.
Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, Sonali Ghosh, stated that herds of elephants have begun moving towards Karbi Anglong through the Hati Dandi corridor. To ensure their safe passage, heavy traffic diversion has been requested for the NH 715 stretch under Nagaon and Golaghat districts. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has also been issued to prevent any human-wildlife conflict.
Rescue teams and veterinary care units are on standby for immediate deployment, with boats, rescue materials, and medicines strategically deployed in key areas. Country boats, speedboats, and mechanized boats are ready for swift response.
The park authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife in the affected areas. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
