The death toll in the North Bengal landslides, following two days of relentless rainfall, has climbed to 28, leaving behind a trail of destruction across the region. The downpour has caused rivers to swell, bridges to collapse and vast forest areas to submerge under water. Among the victims are not only local residents and tourists but also several animals, including rhinos and deer of Jaldapara National Park.
Nature’s fury has cut off Jaldapara National Park, one of the state’s most prized wildlife habitats. The main route to the park has become inaccessible after the wooden bridge over the Holang River was washed away by strong currents.
Around 25 tourists were stranded at the Jaldapara Tourist Lodge after the river overflowed its banks. “They were rescued by the local administration and forest staff using an earth mover to ferry the tourists across the river. All tourists are now safe and that no visitors remain inside the lodge,” said a forest department official.
The forest department has announced a temporary suspension of tourism activities in Jaldapara for safety reasons. “We will take further decisions only after assessing the damage to roads, bridges, river channels and other infrastructure,” said the official.
Home to 30 to 35 one-horned rhinos, Jaldapara National Park holds Bengal’s largest rhino population and serves as a symbol of the state’s rich biodiversity. The park also shelters elephants, chital deer, wild buffaloes and numerous migratory bird species. Forest workers fear that the unprecedented rainfall and flooding have claimed the lives of several wild animals, though an official count has not yet been released.
Spread across the fertile valleys of the Torsha, Malangi, Holang, Buri Torsha and Dinai rivers, the Dooars region of Jaldapara boasts a unique ecosystem of dense saal and teak forests, sandy banks and grasslands. However, this year’s excessive rains have flooded large stretches of forest land, leaving many animals, particularly rhinos and deer, stranded without shelter as their grassy habitats remain underwater.
“Jaldapara typically sees a surge in visitors during the Durga Puja season, drawing 7,000 to 9,000 tourists each October from across India and abroad. The park’s rhino sightings, jeep safaris and elephant rides contribute significantly to the region’s tourism revenue. This disaster, however, has dealt a severe blow to the local economy and homestay businesses, coming just before the festive tourism season,” said another forest department official.
Forest department sources confirmed that repair work on damaged roads and bridges will begin once weather conditions improve. Only then will the park reopen to tourists in a phased manner.
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