The Kaliabor Co-District Administration in Assam has imposed monsoon restrictions along the Kaziranga National Park corridor to protect wildlife and ensure public safety. Continuous rainfall has raised water levels, increasing the likelihood of wild animals crossing National Highway 715 to reach higher ground in the Karbi Anglong hills.
Consequently, the administration has enforced speed limits, banned unnecessary vehicle stoppage, restricted public gatherings, and prohibited loud noise and bright lights in designated animal corridors. The order remains in force throughout the monsoon season.
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Key Facts
- Location: Kaziranga National Park corridor, Assam
- Affected Highway: National Highway 715 (Old NH-37)
- Authority: Kaliabor Co-District Administration
- Legal Provision: Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
- Restriction Period: June 1 to September 30
- Maximum Speed Limit: 40 kmph
- Reason: Rising floodwaters and increased wildlife movement
- Penalty: Legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Administration Issues Monsoon Safety Order
Guwahati: The Kaliabor Co-District Administration has imposed a prohibitory order across the Kaziranga National Park corridor following continuous rainfall and rising floodwaters.
According to the administration, flooding may force wild animals to cross National Highway 715 as they migrate to higher ground in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council area. Therefore, officials have introduced temporary restrictions to reduce accidents involving wildlife.
Forest Department Raises Alert
The administration issued the order after receiving an alert from the Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Bokakhat.
According to officials, floodwaters could inundate the entire stretch of National Highway 715 passing through Kaziranga. As a result, animals may move across the highway in search of safer habitats.
Restrictions to Remain Until September
The administration has enforced several restrictions from June 1 to September 30.
Vehicles travelling through the Kaziranga corridor must not exceed 40 kmph. Additionally, authorities have prohibited gatherings of five or more people in designated animal corridors.
Officials have also banned parking or stopping vehicles along the Kaziranga stretch within Kaliabor Co-District unless a vehicle develops a mechanical fault.
Noise and Light Restrictions Introduced
The order also prohibits the use of bright electrical lights at night within wildlife corridors.
Furthermore, drivers must avoid playing loud music through vehicle sound systems and refrain from unnecessary honking. Authorities believe these measures will reduce stress on migrating wildlife during the monsoon season.
Emergency Services Exempted
The administration has enforced the order with immediate effect under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
However, the restrictions do not apply to police personnel, armed forces, paramilitary forces, forest officials, emergency medical teams, ambulances carrying critically ill patients, doctors and paramedical staff on emergency duty.
Violators Face Legal Action
Officials warned that anyone violating the order will face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with other applicable laws.
The restrictions cover the stretch between Rangalu and Bagori, including all designated animal corridors along National Highway 715 through Kaziranga.
Question & Answer
Q1: Why has the Kaliabor Administration issued this order?
A: Rising floodwaters have increased wildlife movement across National Highway 715, creating safety risks for both animals and motorists.
Q2: What is the speed limit inside the Kaziranga corridor?
A: Vehicles must not exceed 40 kmph.
Q3: How long will the restrictions remain in force?
A: The restrictions will remain effective from June 1 to September 30 during the monsoon season.
Q4: Which activities are prohibited?
A: Authorities have banned public gatherings, unnecessary vehicle parking, loud music, excessive honking and the use of bright lights within the animal corridors.
Q5: Who is exempt from the restrictions?
A: Police, armed forces, forest officials, emergency medical personnel, ambulances and healthcare workers on emergency duty are exempt.
Location Context
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, is one of India’s most important wildlife habitats and is famous for its population of the one-horned rhinoceros. Every monsoon, rising floodwaters force animals to migrate to higher ground in the Karbi Anglong hills, making wildlife protection and traffic regulation essential across the National Highway 715 corridor.
