Guwahati: As Assam braces for the annual monsoon floods, a high-level meeting was convened on Wednesday at the Convention Centre Hall in Kohora, Kaziranga, to strengthen flood preparedness in and around the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
The session was chaired by Dr Sonali Ghosh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of the park, and witnessed the participation of nearly 80 stakeholders from key government departments, enforcement agencies, and local civil society groups.
Officials from the districts of Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon were joined by representatives from the Assam Police, Forest Department, Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), and District Transport Authorities. Also present were members of the Jeep Safari Association, hotel and resort owners, NGOs, and the media—highlighting the collaborative nature of Kaziranga’s flood response planning.
The primary agenda centered on minimizing the impact of floods on wildlife, particularly the animals that cross National Highway 37 to reach higher ground during periods of heavy inundation. Dr Ghosh emphasized the need for real-time communication, early response mechanisms, and community engagement to enhance rescue efficiency and reduce wildlife casualties.
The meeting facilitated a wide-ranging discussion on refining animal rescue protocols, managing traffic flow along the highway, and integrating the efforts of government bodies with those of local communities and tourism operators. Stakeholders drew on past experiences to offer practical suggestions aimed at bolstering response times and logistical coordination.
Participants unanimously acknowledged the success of last year’s flood management efforts, citing improved inter-agency collaboration as a key factor in reducing animal deaths and enhancing the effectiveness of rescue missions. Special recognition was given to local communities and safari operators, whose on-ground support during emergencies helped protect both wildlife and park personnel.
The management of highway traffic to enable the safe migration of animals was praised as a benchmark model, offering lessons for similar conservation zones across India. With this year’s monsoon fast approaching, authorities are looking to replicate and expand on these successes, ensuring that Kaziranga’s wildlife and ecosystem are safeguarded through proactive and inclusive flood planning.
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