7 deer die in flood-hit Kaziranga

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

Jorhat, July 10: Seven deer died after being hit by speeding vehicles on the tiol highway 37 while two deer drowned in the last few days as sixty per cent of Kaziranga tiol Park gets submerged by flood waters triggered by incessant rain.

Park officials said that nearly 60 per cent of the 430 sq km park has been submerged by flood waters and the water has been entering into new areas because of incessant rain and increasing water level in the Brahmaputra.

He said that if the water level of the Brahmaputra continues to rise the entire park would be submerged within the next couple of days.

Large numbers of animals, especially deer and rhinos have been crossing the tiol highway 37 to the safety of the adjacent Karbi Anglong hills.

From this month park authority has imposed highest-ever Rs 5000 as pelty for violating prescribed speed limit of 40 km per hour for vehicles on 45 km stretch of the highway passing along Kaziranga following tiol Green Tribul (NGT)'s order.

NGT's order also said that the fine amount is over and above the amount to be paid for offence under the Motor Vehicle Act. Park officials said that issuance of "challan" and offences under Motor Vehicle Act falls within the purview of transport department.

The state transport department has deputed adequate staff to assist the forest department personnel to check speed of vehicles passing along the park.

About 30 forest personnel have deployed at various check points to issue time cards to vehicles passing along the highway from Kohora to Amguri and also to impose pelty for violation of speed limit.

On the other hand, forest personnel were keeping a close tab on animals once they come out of the park and cross the highway as they become vulnerable to poachers.

“We are keeping round the clock vigil not only along the tiol highway but areas along the Karbi Anglong hills where the animals, especially rhinos are taking shelter.

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