Kaziranga National Park Assures No Flood Crisis Amid Heavy Rainfall
Kaziranga National Park's Current Situation
Rhinos taking shelter in one of the natural high grounds of Kaziranga National Park (Photo - @arunvigneshcs / X)
Guwahati, July 21: In light of the extensive flooding affecting Upper Assam, officials from Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve have confirmed that the park is not currently experiencing any flood conditions, urging the public to disregard misleading information.
According to park management, while persistent rainfall and rising water levels in the Brahmaputra and tributaries from the Karbi Anglong hills have impacted four forest camps situated in lower areas, the overall situation within this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains stable.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Arun Vignesh stated, "Currently, there is no flood situation in Kaziranga. Only four forest camps in the Agoratoli, Kohora, Bagori, and Burapahar ranges have been affected by rising water levels. We are monitoring the situation closely, but there is no immediate cause for alarm."
Forest officials noted that the flooding is confined to a few low-lying camp areas, where only a few inches of water have accumulated, submerging some grass and soil patches.
They emphasized that this seasonal waterlogging should not be confused with a significant flood event within the national park.
Vignesh mentioned that the park administration evaluates the flood situation every six hours and will provide timely updates should water levels rise dramatically or conditions worsen.
The assessment of flooding in Kaziranga is based on the extent of inundation across the protected area.
Concerns arise only when 25 to 40 or more forest camps are submerged, and approximately 40 to 50% of the park is underwater. A severe flood is declared when inundation reaches 70 to 90% of the park, which significantly disrupts wildlife movement and affects nearby villages.
The forest department has implemented precautionary measures in anticipation of rising water levels.
Personnel have been assigned to monitor animal movements closely, especially near National Highway-715, to ensure safe passage for wildlife towards the Karbi Anglong hills if necessary.
Authorities have also confirmed that all 108 artificial highlands within the park are prepared to shelter animals during emergencies.
Officials reiterated that annual flooding is a natural ecological process essential for maintaining Kaziranga's unique grassland ecosystem.
Seasonal inundation, covering nearly 50 to 60 percent of the park, helps eliminate invasive weeds and water hyacinth from wetlands, beels, and lakes, enhances dissolved oxygen levels in water bodies, and supports aquatic biodiversity.
The park administration will continue to monitor rainfall and river levels around the clock and provide regular updates as the monsoon season progresses.
Kaziranga, which is home to the largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros and various other endangered species, typically faces flooding each monsoon season.
In 2025, the park reportedly recorded the loss of 159 wild animals during the flood season.