The flood situation in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary turned worse on Monday. Nearly seventy per cent of the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) is inundated, too, and on Monday, three hog deer, fleeing the floodwaters, were killed by vehicles on the National Highway-37 (NH-37), which lies on the periphery of the park. During the floods, the highway often emerges as a death trap for animals fleeing the inundated grasslands for safer grounds in the hilltops of Karbi Anglong district.
The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and two one-horned rhino habitats have also partially submerged. More than 2,56,144 domesticated animals have been affected by the deadly floods. The park, spread across 430 sq km, witnessed the deaths of four hog deer till Monday, August 30. While some drowned, others died while crossing the National Highway-37 that passes through the reserve. The park authorities and district administration have restricted the speed limit of vehicles on NH-37 and introduced time cards for vehicles coming from both sides of the park. This move is aimed at providing security for wild animals. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed to people to take an alternative route till the waters abate. “We all take pride in Kaziranga National Park. In wake of floods causing displacement of Kaziranga animals & putting them on risk, may I appeal to truck / other vehicles to avoid NH 715 for commuting between lower & upper Assam & use NH 15 thru North Bank instead?” Sarma tweeted. The displaced animals who entered the villages were attacked and beaten to death by the residents.
