Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Assam, has been severely affected by the recent floods. The floods have caused widespread devastation across 13 districts and subdivisions, impacting nearly 98,840 people, according to the official report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). Despite some improvement from the initial count, the region is bracing for heavy rain, with the meteorological office forecasting continued rainfall in Assam and other northeastern states until Monday.
Upper Assam Bears the Brunt
Upper Assam, along with the northern parts of the state, has been particularly hard-hit by the floods. In districts such as Dhemaji, Golaghat, and Sivasagar, the Brahmaputra River and its tributary, Dikhou, have surpassed the danger level, affecting over 70,000 individuals. The worst-affected districts are Golaghat, with 28,965 people affected, followed by Dhemaji with 28,140, and Sivasagar with 13,713.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve Submerged
Within KNPTR, vast low-lying areas have been inundated, leading to significant challenges for wildlife and park management. Many forest camps have been submerged, and roads leading to the interior of the park remain impassable. The floodwaters have also affected approximately 60 to 62 anti-poaching camps, further exacerbating conservation efforts.
Escalating Water Levels and Impacted Tourism
The water level in Kaziranga has risen dramatically since Saturday, intensifying the flood situation in upper Assam. In popular tourist areas such as Agoratoli, jeep patrolling has become infeasible due to the rising waters. The park authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of both wildlife and visitors.
Mixed Situation in Biswanath Sub-division
While the situation in Biswanath sub-division of Sonitpur district, which initially saw the highest number of affected individuals (32,000) on Saturday, has improved significantly, challenges persist. Efforts are underway to provide relief and support to the affected communities in the region.
Relief Efforts and Operational Camps
Amidst the ongoing crisis, relief camps and distribution centers have been set up to assist those affected by the floods. Currently, 17 relief camps and 49 relief distribution centers are operational in six districts across the state. These facilities aim to provide shelter, food, and essential supplies to the affected individuals and families.
Conclusion
As Assam continues to battle the devastating floods, the submergence of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve adds to the growing concerns for both wildlife and local communities. The rising water levels pose a significant threat to the unique biodiversity of the region. Efforts by the government, disaster management authorities, and conservation organizations are crucial in providing relief and ensuring the safety of both humans and animals. The situation calls for collective action to mitigate the impact of the floods and support the affected individuals as they strive to recover and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
