The flood situation at Kaziranga National Park in Assam has become dire, with floodwaters submerging 95 out of the 233 forest camps. This flooding has forced the evacuation of six camps.
The park authority reports that all 34 camps in the Agratoli range, 20 in the Kaziranga range, 10 in the Bagori range, 5 in the Burapahar range, 6 in the Bokakhat range, and 20 in the Biswanath Wildlife Division are underwater. On July 1, floodwaters even washed away a wooden bridge near the Moshguli Camp in the Agoratoli Range.
Field Director Sonali Ghosh mentioned that herds of elephants are now moving towards Karbi Anglong via the Hati Dandi corridor, prompting requests for heavy traffic diversions on NH 715 in the Nagaon and Golaghat districts. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has also been enforced.
Rescue teams and veterinary care units are on standby. Boats, rescue materials, and barricades are already in place. Ghosh emphasized the importance of controlling traffic to ensure the safe passage of wildlife. Additional staff from nearby divisions have been deployed, and joint patrolling by forest teams and commando action groups is ongoing.
A floodwater gauge station, supported by the Central Water Commission (CWC), has been set up to provide real-time updates. A flood monitoring cell has been activated for better coordination of rescue operations. Health check-ups for staff and elephants have been conducted to ensure they are fit for the flood season.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in tackling the floods. During their recent conversation, CM Sarma briefed the Prime Minister on the situation, explaining that this is the second wave of floods due to heavy rains in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of upper Assam. The Prime Minister promised full cooperation from the central government in this crisis.
(with inputs from Ani)