GUWAHATI: The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 in and around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve following the ongoing flood situation, which has forced wild animals to move towards higher ground.
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According to an order issued by the Office of the District Commissioner, Golaghat, floodwaters have inundated large parts of the park, triggering the movement of animals through adjoining areas and designated wildlife corridors.
The order states that uncontrolled public movement, roadside parking, commercial activities and unnecessary gatherings along National Highway-715 and nearby stretches could obstruct the movement of wildlife and increase the risk of human-animal conflict, besides endangering both animals and people.
To ensure the safe passage of wildlife and maintain public safety, the administration has prohibited several activities in the notified areas.
These include restricting the movement of people on foot after sunset and before sunrise, banning roadside parking and stopping on the highway within the identified animal corridors, prohibiting the sale of food items and beverages by roadside vendors, and restricting the use of loudspeakers, horns and other high-decibel sound systems that may disturb animals.
The order also prohibits picnics, recreational activities and unnecessary public gatherings within the notified areas during the flood period.
The administration has directed police, forest officials and other enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of the prohibitory order.
The restrictions will remain in force until further orders or until the flood situation improves.