By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 7: A rhino was rescued by the Forest Department officials from the Uparhali area under the Palasbari Police Station on Sunday after tranquilizing it.

The rhino was swept away by the floods from the Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district and was first spotted at Rani Chapori, a char area on the Brahmaputra, near Sualkuchi on September 30. The rhino was somehow reached the Uparhali area on Sunday morning by crossing the Brahmaputra.

After spotting the rhino stuck in slush and mud, the Forest Department officials informed the State Environment and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain about it, who subsequently went to the site to oversee the situation. Hussain also talked to the Chief Minister who finally gave the go-ahead for the rescue operation.

Besides the Forest Department officials, officials of the Veterinary also joined the rescue operation. Two elephants, JCBs and tractors were used to pull out the rhino from the mud.  Talking to The Sentinel, Rockybul Hussain said, “The rhino, which was rescued today, was shifted to Guwahati Zoo for treatment as it received some injuries. The veterinary doctors are now treating it with utmost care. The rhino will soon be re-shifted to Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has announced award to all the forest and veterinary officials who joined the rescue operation on Sunday.