A GIFT OF NATURE
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In February 2024, I visited The Kaziranga National Park not far away from my place with my family. I spent a week at Kaziranga National Park, located in the heart of Assam, which is one of India’s greatest treasures.
I feel that I should share some of my experience with my readers, so that someday, they may also enjoy the beauty of the place and relax for some time here, in the most tranquil manner with nature.
The National park
The Park spread over an area of 430 square kilometres earlier, now expanded to an area of 1090 square Km, it’s a land where nature, wildlife, and culture converge beautifully. It is spread over the districts of Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon – Whether you’re drawn to its iconic wildlife, the meandering Brahmaputra River, or the rich local traditions, Kaziranga offers an immersive experience that goes beyond being just a wildlife sanctuary. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The mighty Brahmaputra River flows along the northern boundary of Kaziranga, shaping its landscape and ecosystem. This river, one of the largest in Asia, is vital to the region, not only because of its rich biodiversity but also its impact on the lives of the people and wildlife that inhabit the area. The Brahmaputra plays a significant role in replenishing Kaziranga’s wetlands and grasslands, which are crucial for sustaining the park’s unique ecosystem.
During the monsoon season, the river swells, flooding parts of Kaziranga. While this flooding may seem destructive, it’s beneficial too. The water rejuvenates the park’s grasslands, making them fertile and fresh. However, floods can also pose challenges, with animals sometimes migrating to higher ground, crossing the national highway to safer places including areas near human settlements. The park authorities also made some highlands within the park so that the animals can take safe shelter. Efforts are consistently made by the park authorities to mitigate the risks and ensure that both animals and humans coexist peacefully during these periods.
Aquatic Life in Kaziranga
Given the park’s connection to the Brahmaputra and its numerous water bodies, Kaziranga is home to an array of aquatic species. While the one-horned rhinoceros ( number around 2600 approximately) and the royal Bengal tiger
( Kaziranga was declared a Tiger reserve in 2006) often steal the spotlight, the park also has a rich diversity of aquatic animals. The waters of the Brahmaputra and the numerous beels (wetlands) within the park are home to various species of fish, turtles, and even the endangered Ganges river dolphin.
The presence of these species highlights Kaziranga’s complex ecosystem, where aquatic life supports the larger food chain, benefiting birds, mammals, and other creatures that thrive in these watery habitats. Spotting a river dolphin surfacing for air, or watching migratory birds gather around the beels, adds a serene and magical touch to a visit to Kaziranga. ( TO BE CONTINUED)
Rajat Chandra sarmah
Guwahati , Assam , India
05/10/2024
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