HOME of the one-horned rhino, the Kaziranga National Park will not reopen before the end of the year. The park, which normally reopens on October 1, has suffered extensive damage due to floods.
Major repair work has to be carried out before tourists are allowed to visit the park, said a park official. Shortage of funds may further delay the repair work, he added. Most parts of the 45,000-hectare park were submerged under flood waters for almost three months.
According to park officials, the animals which had fled to hills are yet to return. Normally, the animals cross the national highway and head for Karbi Anglong hills during the floods. This year, because of extensive flooding of the park, many animals have taken refuge all over the area. Officials fear they may become an easy prey to poachers, or get killed in a road accident. They are often seen roaming on the national highway.
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