Kaliabor, June 29: The Kaliabor Co-District Administration has imposed prohibitory restrictions across the Kaziranga National Park corridor under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in view of rising water levels caused by continuous rainfall and the increased likelihood of wildlife movement during the monsoon season.
The order was issued by Additional District Magistrate-cum-Co-District Commissioner Raj Boruah following an alert from the Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division in Bokakhat. The warning stated that floodwaters may inundate the entire stretch of National Highway 715 (old NH-37), potentially forcing wild animals to migrate towards higher elevations in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council area. Authorities also highlighted that the movement of public, commercial and essential service vehicles along the highway during this period significantly raises the risk of wildlife accidents.
To ensure minimal disturbance to animals and facilitate safe passage through the corridor, the administration has introduced a series of restrictions applicable throughout the monsoon season from June 1 to September 30. Vehicles travelling through the Kaziranga stretch are required not to exceed a speed limit of 40 kmph. The assembly of five or more persons in designated wildlife corridors has been prohibited, while parking or stopping of both light and heavy vehicles along the entire stretch within Kaliabor Co-District has been banned except in cases of mechanical breakdown. The use of bright electrical lights at night, loud music systems and unnecessary honking within the animal corridors has also been strictly prohibited.
The order, issued ex parte under Section 163(2) of the BNSS, came into force immediately. However, exemptions have been granted to emergency and essential services, including police, paramilitary and armed forces personnel, forest officials, security agencies, as well as ambulances carrying critically ill patients, doctors and paramedical staff on emergency duty.
Authorities have stated that violations of the order will attract legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with other applicable provisions of law. The restrictions cover the Rangalu to Bagori stretch, which forms a key wildlife corridor along National Highway 715 passing through Kaziranga National Park.
