The third wave of flood has already hit Assam, forcing wild animals of the famed Kaziranga National Park (KNP) completely out of gear.

The state government has been working diligently to protect the wild animals of Kaziranga and provide them as much shelter possible.

"In order to protect the wildlife in the park during floods, we have tried to put together rescue teams and boats well in advance," informed state forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya recently.

He was addressing a webinar organised by the Press Information Bureau, Guwahati, on July 22, 2020.

"In addition to existing highlands, 33 new highlands have been constructed for the animals to take shelter during this crucial time of the flood," the minister added.

The minister further informed that flood wreaks havoc in Kaziranga every year.

"The forest department is facing a double whammy of protecting the animals every year- one from poachers and other from natural calamities," he said.

"The forest department is giving all efforts to protect the animals from all adversaries," the minister said adding, "This year, one case of poaching has been reported so far."

Referring to the concerted efforts of the forest department using advanced equipment, the minister said that the department is getting full support from the Centre.

Speaking on the webinar, LR Vishwanath, head of North East Zone, ministry of information and broadcasting said, " Kaziranga holds a special attraction to the world for its rich flora and fauna."

"However, Kaziranga is also prone to flood and every year it is badly affected during the monsoons," Vishwanath added.

In his deliberation, KNP DFO Ramesh Gogoi gave an overview of the flood in the park and he highlighted the various measures taken by the forest department to rescue the animals.

"The forest department has received adequate support from the government and also from several national and international NGOs and the local people," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Rabindra Sarma, research officer, Kaziranga National Park, highlighted on flood and corridor management.

"When floods hit Kaziranga, the animal move to various place seeking shelter including the Karbi Anglong foothills and the nearby tea garden areas," Sarma said.

"In such a situation, I believe, the people of the nearby tea garden areas should be oriented more for providing the necessary support to the staff of the forest department for the protection of the wild animals," Sarma added.

Aranyak CEO Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar spoke about the importance of Karbi Anglong for Kaziranga during flood

He said the Karbi Anglong hills act as a natural island for the flood-hit animals of the park and added that conservation Karbi Anglong is equally important.

He urged the government to control any developmental activities at Karbi Anglong foothills nearby Kaziranga.