• Kaziranga National Park underwater: 95 forest camps drowned, wildlife at risk

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    Kaziranga National Park underwater: 95 forest camps drowned, wildlife at risk
    As Kaziranga navigates this challenging period, coordinated efforts at both state and national levels aim to safeguard the park's rich biodiversity...

    Digital Desk: Kaziranga National Park in Assam is grappling with a severe flood crisis as 95 out of its 233 forest camps have been submerged, leading to the evacuation of six camps. Field Director Sonali Ghosh detailed the impact, highlighting that all 34 camps in the Agratoli range, 20 in Kaziranga, 10 in Bagori, 5 in Burapahar, 6 in Bokakhat, and 20 in the Biswanath Wildlife Division have been inundated. A significant structural loss occurred on July 1 when a wooden bridge near the Moshguli Camp in the Agratoli Range was washed away.

    The floods have triggered substantial wildlife movement, with herds of elephants migrating towards Karbi Anglong via the Hati Dandi corridor. To mitigate risks, heavy traffic diversion has been requested for the NH 715 stretch under Nagaon and Golaghat districts. Additionally, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been imposed to maintain order and ensure safety.

    Precautionary measures are in full swing, with standby rescue teams, veterinary units, deployed boats, barricades, and essential supplies ready to respond. Animal sensors are actively monitoring wildlife movements, while joint patrols by commando groups and forest teams ensure comprehensive coverage. A flood gauge station, supported by the Central Water Commission, has been established for real-time flood monitoring.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged full cooperation to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in managing the flood crisis. In a post on X, CM Sarma shared details of his conversation with the Prime Minister, explaining that Assam is facing its second wave of floods this year due to heavy rains in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of upper Assam. "He assured me of full cooperation from the Government of India in this hour of crisis," Sarma stated.

    As Kaziranga navigates this challenging period, coordinated efforts at both state and national levels aim to safeguard the park's rich biodiversity and ensure the safety of its wildlife and personnel.