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Steps to reduce animal casualties discussed

By Correspondent

KOHORA, June 28 � In view of the monsoon period which usually results in floods in the Kaziranga National Park, a discussion to initiate steps to reduce the mortality level of wild animals, was held at Forest Convention Center here which was presided over by Dipak Gogoi, a senior citizen of the locality.

While outlining the measures taken till now, the CCF- cum-Director of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve NK Vasu said that nearly 65 country boats , along with three speed boats are available now to facilitate better movements of forest guards inside the Park area to check poaching, adding that if necessary more forest staff would be requisitioned to ensure safety of wildlife.

Dr Rathin Barman from the Wildlife Trust of India said that rescue of deer species should be treated as a last effort since it is better to allow the species to remain undisturbed. This is because once it is caught by any untrained persons in the name of rescue, it is traumatised badly and therefore the chances of survival diminish. So only experts should undertake such operations, Barman said.

According to sources, water level between 104.7 to 105.5m (MSL) is said to be normal water level flow which is necessary and beneficial for Kaziranga National Park to clear and clean the water bodies. But if it is 106 m (MSL) then it can be a great disaster for Kaziranga. Sources further said that there are sufficient highlands for the safety of wild animals inside the Park but more patrolling would be carried out near the Karbi Anglong side to check poaching.

Senior citizen Munindranath Sharma said that local people have always supported the cause for protection and conservation of wildlife in Kaziranga but the Forest department should also understand the problems of local communities living near the park.

Forest sources said that traffic movements would be regulated during floods to ensure smooth crossing of wild animals towards the Karbi Hills for safe shelter. But the need of the hour is to strengthen the security measures in Karbi Hills so that no further casualties of wild animals including those of rhinos takes place this time. Last year, more than 600 animals died during floods and many rhinos were killed by poachers in Karbi Hills due to which the Assam government had to call for a CBI investigation which is going on.

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