Zoo Authorities Ensure Animal Safety as Guwahati Struggles with Heat and Floods

 Guwahati: As Guwahati battles a wave of extreme weather conditions, scorching heat, and flash floods, officials at the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden have introduced several measures to protect animals from the rising temperatures.

Rajani Kanta Deka, Chief Animal Keeper at the zoo, said that dedicated heat-relief arrangements have been made. “We have constructed a big bathtub for the tigers. There are seven tigers in the state zoo, and we have installed electric fans, air coolers, air conditioners (ACs), and showers in their enclosures,” he said. Other animals have also been provided with fans, coolers, and hydration facilities. Deka confirmed that all animals are in good health and are being fed regularly.

While the zoo combats the heat, other parts of Guwahati are dealing with heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging. Continuous downpours have led to transportation disruptions and affected daily life in several areas. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on social media platform X, said: “Assam is already witnessing intense rain in Silchar (42 cm), Karimganj (35 cm), Hailakandi (30 cm), and in nearby areas. People in low-lying and riverbank areas are advised to stay alert and follow local advisories.”

In response to the worsening situation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The mission began after several people were stranded in a flooded river in Arunachal Pradesh. Authorities continue to monitor the dual crisis of extreme heat and flooding and have assured that emergency measures will be implemented as needed to ensure public safety.