Artificial shelters

Assam’s new forest minister, Parimal Suklabaidya, feels that the artificial highlands that are being constructed inside Kaziranga National Park to “shelter” wildlife during floods could have been “more scientific”. He said his department would study the “result” of the structures during the next year, says a report in the Assam Tribune. He further said that 30 of those were ready and three more will be completed in a few days. “I must admit a more scientific approach is required before initiating the project. We will see the result this year,” The minister visited the park after taking over.

There has been a lot of criticism over the construction of the highlands, with many claiming that they would ruin the future ecology of Kaziranga, which is based on flood plain eco-system. Around 14 of the highlands built inside Kaziranga are 200 metres each, while five of them are 100 metres and the rest around 50 metres each. The minister said he was toying with the idea of elevating the 14-km road inside the park for jeep safaris. “If we elevate this road in patches — making it undulating — may be the animals can take shelter in the higher areas during the floods. It will also enhance the beauty of the path and give a different experience to visitors taking the jeep safari,” Suklabaidya said. The minister has also directed park authorities to procure four/five more drones to increase surveillance.

Partner wanted

Goldie, the only blue and gold macaw in Guwahati state zoo, completed 33 years last week. Its caretakers are looking for a suitable “bride” to gift it, says a report in the Assam Tribune. It has been alone for over five years now. “Macaws normally live up to 50 years. They can breed till they are 40,” Zoo DFO Tejas Mariswamy said. Recently, a girl called Jimly adopted the macaw. “Goldie was brought to the Zoo in 1985. We are asking people who breed macaws to donate a female to pair it up,” the DFO said.

Demolished

Over 200 offices of the Congress, political parties and their frontal organisations, set up illegally on government land at the old motor stand in the heart of Agartala, were demolished on 7 May amid tight security, says a report in the Guwahati-based Assam Tribune. There was no resistance as leaders of political parties were fast asleep when the demolition drive started in the wee hours. More than 100 party offices were brought down in South Tripura district, once a stronghold of the CPI (M).