Floods affect a wildlife sanctuary in northeastern India

GUWAHATI - Incessant downpour over the past fortnight has inundated the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam.

Consequently, wildlife wardens have moved the animals to safer places.

The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros.

Reportedly, the gushing waters of the River Brahmaputra have submerged 95 percent of the area.

This in turn has prompted game wardens and rangers to initiate possible remedial measures to save the animals and stop them from wandering away from their regular habitat that encompasses over 38 square kilometres of area.

The Conservator of Forests, the chief wildlife warden, forest rangers, security personnel and villagers are keeping a round-the clock watch on animal movement.

This is the third time this year that the River Brahmaputra has inundated the sanctuary.

“The entire Pobitora is submerged in flood waters. In fact, just two or three camps are saved, or else are submerged in the floods,” said Deepak Mahanta, a game warden.

“For the past seven to eight days, we all are on continuous duty for the safety of animals of the sanctuary. Last night, I got the information on my wireless that the rhinos are moving out of the wildlife preserve,” said Sukleshwar Rajbongshi, Deputy Game Warden of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

“The public is helping us continuously. That is why whenever the rhinos move outside the sanctuary, we also follow them to ensure their protection and safe return to the sanctuary,” he added.

The sanctuary is located around 60 kilometres from Guwahati. (ANI)