Normalcy returning to Kaziranga after floods

GOLAGHAT, March 6: The Kaziranga National Park, home to about 65 per cent of the world population of one-horned rhinos, is gradually returning to normalcy after it was ravaged by floods last year. Highly-placed sources in the park informed that out of a total of 94 rhinos killed last year, 39 died in the floods while only eight were killed by poachers compared to 12 in the previous year. Incidentally since the inception of the park, this would be the first instance when the number of rhinos killed by poachers might remain in single digits. Sources informed that census of rhinos is undertaken every six years and the next census was due in 1999. According to the last census the rhino population was 1164. Besides, the sources informed that encroachment by numerous herds of domestic cattle is another major problem for the authorities. This is so because the grass meant for wild life are consumed by the domestic animals forcing the former to starve at times. Steps, however, are on to tackle this problem, they said. Sources further informed that unlike last year, this year the plight of the 49 elephants engaged by the park authority is much better because of the fund flow which had come to a standstill last year. Sources also pointed out that according to a survey by the Space Application Centre (SAC) through remote sensing system, the park lost about 22 square kilometres of land to erosion. The SAC is now carrying out a survey for a plan to prevent erosion to the park. Sources also revealed that the flow of tourists to the park this year was satisfactory and it would surpass last year's mark of 21,500 which include 1500 foreign tourists. The State earned about Rs 23 lakh as revenue from the tourist flow. Among other problems those perennial ones like shortage of forest guards as well as sophisticated weapons, lack of funds for fuel of vehicles, boots, etc. still remain. In addition to grants from government, donated items in kind are received time to time from non-government organisations (NGOs) led by WWF, sources said.