Guwahati, Assam: As relentless monsoon rains continue to lash Assam, the renowned Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, a vital haven for the world’s densest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, finds itself grappling with severe inundation. The rising floodwaters pose a significant threat to the sanctuary’s precious wildlife and its protective infrastructure.
Forest Ranger Pranjal Baruah of Pobitora confirmed the grim reality, stating that a staggering 60 to 80 per cent of the sanctuary’s 16 sq km expanse is currently submerged. This widespread flooding has directly impacted the sanctuary’s operational capacity, with 10 out of its 17 crucial anti-poaching camps now completely underwater.
Despite the challenging conditions, Ranger Baruah offered a reassuring update on the rhinos’ well-being. “Most rhinos have taken shelter in the highlands, and some are grazing in higher areas where there is still plenty of grass,” he reported, indicating that the sanctuary’s conservation efforts, including the creation of artificial highlands, are proving instrumental in safeguarding the animals.
Pobitora, nestled in the Morigaon district, is no stranger to the annual fury of Assam’s monsoon floods. This recurring natural phenomenon consistently presents formidable challenges for wildlife conservationists and frontline forest personnel, demanding continuous vigilance and adaptive strategies to protect the sanctuary’s unique biodiversity.
With rhinos and other wildlife instinctively migrating to the man-made highlands designed for such emergencies, forest officials are maintaining a heightened state of alert. Their primary focus remains on curbing any potential poaching attempts and diligently tracking animal movements to ensure their safety amidst the deluge. The current flood crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent and ongoing need for comprehensive flood-preparedness measures and robust wildlife protection mechanisms across Assam’s vulnerable protected areas.
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