Kaziranga National Park hit hard by second wave of flood: KNP Director

A CORRESPONDENT

NUMALIGARH: Almost two weeks back, Kaziranga was reeling under flood water but the situation improved slowly as water level started receding slowly. But since last Sunday, the rising water level of River Brahmaputra has once again caused havoc in the national park. This time, Kaziranga has been badly affected by the second wave of flood.

The NH-37, which is on the southern boundary of the park, is also reeling under flood water at two or three places near- Hatikhuli, Haldibari (Burimai Thaan) and Maajline. Animals are scrambling for a patch of dry ground. They are swimming through swirling flood water for kilometres and at times drowning out of sheer exhaustion. Animals in huge numbers are climbing hills and highlands in order to survive. Most of the animals are migrating towards the higher grounds of Karbi hills to the south of the national park. In the migration, many animals have lost their lives.

A source said that a total of six deer were knocked and killed by speeding vehicles on NH-37 on Monday. Another four deer are reported to have drowned in flood. The KNP authority said that out of the total 223 forest camps in the national park, more than 166 camps have been inundated. KNP Director P. Shivakumar said, "Over 95 per cent of Kaziranga's total mass area is now reeling under flood water. Animal migration towards the higher lands across the highway is still on and we are trying our best to ensure them a safe passage. Our forest personnel are working day and night in the field."

Leaving the flooded areas of the park and in a mad dash to survive, one tiger, two rhinos and many deer and other animals entered human-populated fringe areas of the park on Monday. As per information provided by the KNP authority, the tiger is still taking shelter in a goat shed in a village in the fringe area. Both the rhinos were back and took shelter in a highland near Agaratoli. A lot of deer and other animals were also rescued by forest personnel, CWRC rescuers and public as well.

As the NH-37 has been flooded in many places, to ensure people's safety, the Bokakhat Subdivisional administration has also put a complete restriction on small four-wheeler vehicles on the highway.

As per CWC report on Monday, the water level (in metres) of River Brahmaputra at Numaligarh and Dhansirimukh was recorded at 78.56 (danger level- 77.42) and 76.94 (75) respectively and the water level is in a falling trend.

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