CM Sarbananda Sonowal visits flood-hit Kaziranga National Park

A CORRESPONDENT

NUMALIGARH: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday visited the submerged areas of Kaziranga National Park (KNP) on a speed motor boat via the Mora Difalu River under the Bagori Range of the Park and took stock of condition of the marooned animals and measures taken by the Park authority to ensure their protection.

During his one-and-half hour inspection of the flood-hit areas inside the Park, the Chief Minister noticed that many animals were taking shelter at the highlands constructed by the State Government in the Park. He also went to the flood-affected forest camps at Gorakati, Mora Difalu and Mur Phuloni; and interacted with the forest guards who were carrying out strict surveillance of the Park braving all odds to ensure protection of the marooned animals.

While interacting with media persons during the visit, the Chief Minister said that the State Government built the highlands in Kaziranga National Park to ensure protection of wildlife during flood. He further said that the purpose of the highlands had been successful as large numbers of animals had taken shelter there to protect themselves from flood water.

The Chief Minister also thanked the people living in the adjoining areas of the Park for their help to the Forest department in ensuring protection of the animals. He also lauded the role of the districts administration of Nagaon, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, Sonitpur and Biswanath for their proactive measures for protection of animals. Further, in view of many animals crossing over to the hills of Karbi Anglong district during this flood, the Chief Minister directed the administration of the hilly district to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of these animals and also their safe return to the Park once flood water recedes.

Referring to flood scenario, the Chief Minister said that the State has experienced the third wave of floods, destroying vast tracts of agricultural land and damaging private and public properties. The Chief Minister also said that the State was simultaneously fighting COVID-19 and flood as well as erosion; and exuded confidence to win over the crises with cooperation of the people. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh for their help and support during this difficult time and constant supervision.

The Chief Minister also said that the State Government had made all-out efforts to provide relief to the flood-affected families. He said that social distancing norms had been followed in the flood relief camps; and the inmates were provided masks. Besides, medical check-up of the inmates were also carried out and fodder had been provided to all flood-affected domestic animals.

Prior to visiting flood-hit Kaziranga National Park, Chief Minister Sonowal on Thursday morning visited a flood relief camp at the Rising Sun English School in Kohora. Altogether 251 inmates are taking shelter there. The Chief Minister also handed over ex-gratia cheques amounting to Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of Babu Kheria and Sarbeswar Doley under Bokakhat subdivision who died due to drowning during flood.

Chief Minister Sonowal also visited the 'Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation' (CWRC) at Barjuri near the Park and took stock of measures taken for animals and facilities available at the Centre.

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