Assam Floods Devastate Wildlife: 511 Animals Lost Over Five Years
The data was provided by the State Government of Assam, detailing the impact of recurrent flooding on the region's fauna.
Updated: Jul 23, 2024, 15:46 IST
Floods in Assam have taken a significant toll on local wildlife over the past five years, with 847 animals affected and 511 reported dead, according to Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The data was provided by the State Government of Assam, detailing the impact of recurrent flooding on the region's fauna.
"Information from the State Government of Assam indicates that floods have affected 847 wild animals in the state over the last five years. Out of these, 336 animals were rescued successfully, while 511 were casualties," Singh said.
Efforts to mitigate the effects of floods on wildlife have been extensive. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate residents in flood-prone areas about wildlife protection, alongside loudspeaker announcements in villages to guide public responses to stray animals.
In Kaziranga National Park, additional forest staff have been assigned to flood-related duties and to monitor vehicle speeds on the adjacent Asian Highway 1 (NH-37).
"Police security forces are deployed in the districts of Golaghat, Nagaon, and Karbi Anglong. They support forest personnel with anti-poaching efforts and help reduce human-wildlife conflicts during floods. District Transport Officers and Motor Vehicle Inspectors from Nagaon and Golaghat districts manage vehicle speeds on Asian Highway 1 (NH-37), which borders Kaziranga National Park," Singh said.
To further protect wildlife, volunteers from non-governmental organizations and village defense parties assist in monitoring animal movements and managing traffic speeds.
The state has also constructed 33 new highlands and road-cum-highlands to provide elevated resting areas for animals during floods. Vulnerable zones have been barricaded, and anti-poaching camps are now equipped with boats for better patrolling.
Emergency response teams, equipped with communication tools and traffic control devices, are stationed in each range to facilitate wildlife migration and manage vehicular traffic.
"Emergency response teams, equipped with mobiles, wireless sets, traffic wands, and flashlights, regulate traffic and assist in wildlife migration to higher grounds outside the park. Flood monitoring cells and control rooms are established in all range offices and the division office in Bokakhat to track flood levels," Singh added.
Animal sensor systems and drones are also employed to monitor animal movements and manage traffic.
"Animal sensor systems have been installed at six locations to monitor and regulate vehicle movements. Drones track animal movements in the Karbi Anglong hills," Singh said.
The State Disaster Response Force is deployed to support rescue operations and ensure the safety of forest personnel. Staff from inundated and damaged camps are relocated to safer areas for patrolling, and temporary camps are set up at key sites frequented by wildlife.
According to the Kaziranga National Park Authority, this year's floods alone have resulted in the deaths of 215 wild animals, including 13 one-horned rhinos.
