GUWAHATI: In a letter written to Kaziranga National Park (KNP) Director, P. Sivakumar, His Royal Highness, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, expressed his sorrow at the current flood situation of Kaziranga while appreciating the relief and rescue efforts of the forest rangers in the national park.
Prince William wrote, "Catherine and I were heartbroken to hear about the appalling devastation to Kaziranga National Park and its precious wildlife caused by the very heavy monsoon flooding."
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Further, he wrote, "We have the happiest memories of our visit to Kaziranga in April 2016 and are shocked by what has happened. The deaths of so many animals, including one-horned rhino, is deeply upsetting. We know from our visit how dedicated all the staff in Kaziranga are in caring for the Park's wildlife, and can only begin to imagine what a difficult time this must be. Catherine and I greatly admire all the work that you and the rangers at Kaziranga are doing to risk your own safety, rescue animals and contain the damage. The loss of life and livelihoods in Assam as a result of the flooding, coming on top of the Covid-19 pandemic, is deeply distressing. We offer our deepest condolences to all those affected."
Meanwhile, Parimal Suklabaidya, Minister of Fishery, Excise, Environment & Forest under Government of Assam took to his Twitter account to share the letter sent by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Attaching the letter in the post the minister wrote, "My sincere gratitude towards His Royal Highness Prince William & Kensington Palace for their deep concerns on the flood situation of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve. Your admiring words towards the ever dedicated staff of KNP will empower them with more encouragement for safeguarding the park."
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Notably, in Kaziranga National Park, 123 wild animals, including 12 rhinos, have died due to floods. The dead include 93 deers, four wild buffaloes among others.
