Floods in Assam Devastate Wildlife: 511 Animals Perish Over Five Years

Over the past five years, floods in Assam affected a total of 847 wild animals, with 511 reported dead. Measures taken by the state include awareness campaigns, deployment of additional forest staff, and creation of highlands to protect wildlife.

In the past five years, floods in Assam have affected 847 wild animals, with 511 reported dead, according to Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh. The state government has implemented several measures to protect wildlife during floods.

The minister highlighted that awareness campaigns and meetings are conducted with residents of fringe areas to educate them on wildlife protection during floods. Additionally, loudspeaker announcements inform villagers about safety measures if animals stray.

Additional forest staff is deployed for patrolling and flood-related duties, particularly in Kaziranga National Park. Vehicle speeds on Asian Highway 1 (NH-37) are monitored to prevent collisions with animals. Security forces also assist with anti-poaching efforts and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.

Volunteers from NGOs and village defense parties help monitor animal movements and reduce vehicle speeds. Highlands and road-cum-highlands provide elevated resting spaces for animals. Heavy vehicles are banned from using NH-37 at night to ensure safe movement of wildlife.

Anti-poaching camps are equipped with boats for monitoring and patrolling during floods. Emergency response teams are set up in each range, equipped with communication tools and traffic control devices to aid wildlife migration to higher grounds.

A flood monitoring cell and control rooms have been established, with flood level scales installed by the Central Water Commission. Animal sensor systems and drones are utilized to trace animal movements, and the State Disaster Response Force aids in rescue operations.

According to the Kaziranga National Park Authority, this year's floods claimed the lives of 215 wild animals, including 13 one-horned rhinos.