Flood in Kaziranga, Nagaon Administration Imposed Section 144 CrPC to Tackle Poaching

Nagaon/Kaziranga: Looking at the ongoing flood situation in the entire Kaziranga National Park (KNP), the district administration of Nagaon had imposed section 144 CrPC from Thursday; on the other hand a special protection force was also raised to keep a check on rhino poaching and related activities in Kaziranga National Park.

Speed Restriction to 40 km/h, violation can attract fine up to Rs 5000

Although the Kaziranga National Park Authority, as well as the Civil Administration Authorities, had already imposed speed restriction on the NH-37 that touches the southern boundary of the park, none of the guidelines are being followed so far by the moving vehicles in the area.

There were reports of introducing time card system in the stretch of the national park so that it does not pose threat to distressed animals which try to cross the NH-37 during high floods to reach the higher grounds in Karbi Anglong district, however, sources informed that no such development has been made.

Here’s a video

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxYh2M5vkBE[/embed]

Reports also state that the vehicles were asked to drive at maximum 40 km/h speed in the stretch of the national park. But, in this video, we have come across the situation where the on-duty forest guards are seen requesting the operators of the vehicles to maintain the speed limit as per issued guidelines.

It is to be noted that as per the vehicle driving guidelines there will the imposition of fine up to Rs 5000 for violation of the speed limit.

Flood Condition Report

According to reports, about 80 percent of the park is underwater of the four Ranges, Central, Eastern, western, Burapahar and also the northern range in the past few days. Due to the incessant rainfall in the region over the past few days had resulted in most of the water bodies overflowing and the animals moving to higher reaches near Karbi Hills.

According to officials of the national park, at present water has entered the park through natural channels which is normal; the situation may become extremely critical once water flows over the Brahmaputra embankment.

It may also be mentioned that with flood waters inundating over 700 villages in 17 districts and affecting over 4 lakh people across the State, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday reviewed the prevailing flood situation and asked Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and other officials to remain fully alert for tackling the situation. The Chief Minister interacted with the Deputy Commissioners and district-level senior officials of different government departments through a video conference from Guwahati and directed them to remain fully alert and prepared to tackle flood.

Earlier, stating that people in distress must get adequate care and response, the Chief Minister asked the DCs to activate 24×7 control room for immediate response to flood situation in their districts. He enquired about the status of relief camps, distribution of relief material to marooned people and measures adopted for safety and security of animals in the flood-affected districts.

The Chief Minister, while stressing on the need to ensure adequate medical services to flood-affected people, asked the Deputy Commissioners contact the Director of Health Services if there is any shortage of doctors in their respective districts. He also instructed them to take steps for adequate care for animals affected by flood and arrange fodder for them. Moreover, in view of a spurt of JE and malaria cases, the Chief Minister directed the health department functionaries to collect blood sample of relief camp inmates to contain the diseases.

Underlining the importance of prompt action by NDRF and SDRF personnel in rescue operations, the Chief Minister asked the DCs to remain in close touch with concerned district administrations where those teams are presently being stationed. He also directed the police force to carry out regular patrolling in flood-affected areas to ensure the safety and security of the property of the flood-hit people.

Chief Minister Sonowal further asked the Power Department to take all necessary measures to prevent incidents of electrocution which may take place due to the negligence of departmental officials. Besides, in case of any casualty in flood, he directed the DCs to release the one-time financial assistance to the next of kin of the victim immediately.

Apart from reviewing the present situation of inundation at Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, the Chief Minister took stock of the preparedness of Kamrup (Metro) district administration to respond to incidents of the landslide in the district. In view of several such incidents taking place in Guwahati in the past causing loss of many lives, Chief Minister Sonowal asked the DC and Assam State Disaster Management Authority to identify all landslide-prone areas and sensitize the local people to vacate such places to avert any eventuality. He directed the Kamrup (Metro) DC to conduct sensitization meetings with the local people and generate awareness amongst them about the adverse fall out of living in such areas, stated a release.

Chief Minister Sonowal during the interaction emphasized on the need for empathetic approach from all rank and file of government officials. Urging the district officials to work for the flood-hit with utmost sincerity and dedication, he called for upholding the ‘Team Assam’ spirit by all officials.

Also Read: Kaziranga on verge of getting swamped due to flood water, Animals heading to Karbi Hills