MANGALDAI, June 29 - The Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve in Darrang district has been severely hit by a fresh round of floods. According to the sources in the Park, the overflowing water of the mighty Brahmaputra and Dhansiri has so far inundated forest areas under more than 30 forest protection camps including at Roumari, Ramkong, Tinkona, Hazarbigha, Katashali and Garbhanga among others. Wild animals are having a tough time moving for shelter in high rise lands.
Meanwhile, with the risk of poaching of straying rhinos and other wild animals having increased, the forest staff has intensified its vigilance on foot and on country boats.
On the other hand, even though there was no rainfall in the last two days, the overall flood situation is still critical in the district. According to the reports of the district disaster management authority on Sunday evening, nearly 47000 people of 126 villages under Mangaldai, Dalgaon, Pathorighat and Sipajhar revenue circles of the district have been affected. The second wave of flood has also damaged 17 PWD roads and bridge approaches including nine in Sipajhar, four each in Dalgaon and Pathorighat besides breaching the Saktola embankment at Keotpara. So far there is no report of any loss of life and cattle. No relief camp has been set up by the government till filing of the report.
