MIRZA, Oct 7 � The rhino, which had migrated from Rani Chapori to Uparhali on the south bank of the Brahmaputra, 2 km from here in Kamrup District on Sunday night by crossing the river Brahmaputra, has been tranquilized and rescued today. A team of veterinary doctors consisting of Dr Kushal Sarma, Dr Bijoy Dutta and Dr ML Smith conducted the rescue operations today. Two rounds of shots were carried out by Dr Kushal Sarma. First shot was carried out at 4-08 pm today which failed to immobilize the rhino and then second shot was carried out at 4-19 pm which has immobilized the animal.
Dr Kushal Sarma, the key doctor associated in tranquilization told The Assam Tribune the rhino was in a weak health condition and it was a risky operation for tranquilization and subsequent rescue but the joint team of technical experts succeeded to tranquilize the rhino.
Assam Forest Minister Rockyibul Hussain who had monitored the rescue operation personally said that the tranquilization of rhino was a very risky operation as the rhino was living in a place having 4 feet depth water and soon after tranquilization the rhino might die by penetrating its nose under the water. Hussain after holding a brief meeting with veterinary doctors and senior forest officials , including Principal Conservator of Forests (Wildlife ) Suresh Chand had ordered tranquilization of the rhino as the rhino had entered an area very close to human habitation in Palasbari LAC in Kamrup district and that the rhino might cause harm to the people living near it.�Hussain had also reportedly taken permission from Chief Miinister Tarun Gogoi over telephone.
�We have to ensure safety of the stray rhino and that is why we have tranquilized the rhino amid great risk after consulting all options with the veterinary doctors ,� said PCCF (Wildlife) Chand.
Chand told The Assam Tribune that the rescued rhino will be released in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary , from where the rhino had strayed to Rani Chapori and subsequently to Uparhali, tomorrow morning.
Dr Sarma told The Assam Tribune that a narcotic drug named immobilon ( with composition of Etopine and Acepromazine ) were used for immobilization of the animal and a reversal drug called revivon had been used which helped the tranquilized ( immobilized) animal to revive and remain alive.
