Kaziranga Project

Why in news?

• India and France are collaborating on Kaziranga Project.
• AFD (French Development Agency) has committed funding of Euro 80.2 million for a 10-year period, between 2014-2024

About Kaziranga Project:

• The Kaziranga project is a part of a larger Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC).
• The Assam government, with the support of AFD (French Development Agency), launched the APFBC in 2012.
• It aims to restore forest ecosystems, protect wildlife and enhance the livelihood of the forest-dependent communities.

About Kaziranga National Park:

• It is located in Assam and is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
• It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2007.
• International Status:
  • It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
  • It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Biodiversity:

• Much of the focus of conservation efforts in Kaziranga are focused on the 'big four' species - Rhino, Elephant, Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo.
• Kaziranga is the home of the world's most one-horned rhinos.
  • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world and second highest number of Rhinos in Assam after Kaziranga National Park.

Add ons:

• The park also has more than 250 seasonal water bodies, besides the Diphlu River running through it.
• National Highway 37 passes through the park area.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following river runs through Kaziranga National Park?

(a) Lanye River

(b) Diphlu River

(c) Simsang River

(d) Umngot River

Answer