The recent flood in Assam escalated to a crisis point, resulting in a devastating number of casualties, displacement of humans and animals, and substantial destruction of property and the environment. An alarming 80% of Kaziranga National Park’s landscape succumbed to the inundation.
Root Causes of the Floods
Many factors contributed to the flooding crisis. A major cause pointed out was ill-constructed or inadequately maintained river embankments, which led to their breach or collapse. The state of Assam has heavily relied on these embankments for flood management since their construction in the 1960s. However, most have aged beyond their utility, with significant breaches occurring increasingly since the late 1990s and even more so in the 2000s. Additionally, considerable deforestation in river catchment areas and the release of water by upstream dams played a part. Climate change’s influence is another undeniable element exacerbating the flood situation.
The Impact of Floods on Kaziranga’s Ecosystem
Interestingly, experts posit that floods are vital for Kaziranga’s riverine ecosystem. Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) are positioned between the Brahmaputra river and Karbi Anglong Hills, an area full of alluvial deposits from the river and its tributaries. Floods serve a regenerative purpose by rejuvenating the park’s various water bodies and preserving its combination of wetlands, grasslands, and semi-evergreen deciduous forests. They also serve as breeding grounds for fish, which are swept into the Brahmaputra when floodwaters recede, and help eradicate unwanted plant species like water hyacinths.
Problems Arising Amidst Flooding
Several issues have emerged due to frequent flooding. Earlier, significant flood events occurred once a decade; now, they’re almost an annual ordeal. Another challenge is posed by the National Highway-37 (NH-37), which cuts across Kaziranga Park. When floodwaters rise, animals are compelled to move towards higher ground in Karbi Anglong Hills, often attempting to cross this busy highway, leading to fatal accidents. Poachers also exploit this situation, targeting the vulnerable animals. Moreover, flood-displaced animals frequently wander into nearby human settlements, triggering human-animal conflict.
Measures Taken To Combat Floods
Several steps are taken by authorities during floods. Monitoring of the Brahmaputra tributaries’ water levels upstream in Arunachal Pradesh and updates from the Central Water Commission is done. Awareness campaigns against poaching or harming the displaced wildlife are conducted. Further, when flooding strikes, Section 144 of the CrPC is imposed along NH-37, imposing speed limits and levying fines on violators. Barricades are also set up to facilitate animal crossings towards Karbi Anglong.
A Sustainable Future: The Way Forward
Long-term solutions are urgently needed to address these challenges. A key step forward would be the government investing in durable, effective embankments to prevent the current situation from worsening annually. Kaziranga, with its fertile grassland habitats, plays a significant role in supporting wildlife populations, thus securing animal corridors and ensuring a safe passage to the Karbi hills is imperative. Additionally, implementing a landscape-scale conservation approach is necessary, recognising the value and importance of the Karbi Anglong hills in providing refuge to animals during floods.
