The rising water levels of the Dhanashree and Brahmaputra rivers have created a critical situation in Assam’s Orang National Park. Nearly 70 per cent of the park is submerged due to the ongoing flooding.
The flooding from these rivers, particularly the Brahmaputra and Dhanashree, along with the River Pasnai, has inundated the southern regions of the park, posing a severe threat to wildlife and park personnel.
Of the 50 camps within the park, 20 are now underwater. Areas such as Khayarasali and Balicamp are experiencing water depths ranging from seven to 15 feet.
Foresters are facing significant challenges as they work to protect the park’s residents, including the endangered one-horned rhinos, from the combined threats of rising waters and poachers. The adverse conditions have made patrolling and safeguarding the wildlife increasingly difficult.
The sudden rise in the Dhanashree River’s water level since yesterday has worsened the situation, particularly affecting several camps on the park’s eastern side. The flooding has caused a significant increase in water levels across 20 of the park’s camps.
As the park contends with these severe floods, authorities are calling for urgent action to ensure the safety of both the animals and the forest staff.
