Bettiah: With the monsoon swelling the Gandak river, the forest department has deployed specially trained rescue teams along riverbanks in West Champaran district to rescue wild animals that may be swept downstream from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR).The Gandak, which flows along the Indo-Nepal border, often carries wildlife downstream during periods of heavy rainfall and strong currents. Forest officials said the teams have been stationed at vulnerable locations and equipped with life jackets, binoculars, air tubes and other essential rescue gear to ensure a swift response.“The rescue team has been equipped with life jackets, binoculars, air tubes and other essential equipment. With the help of these, forest personnel are keeping a close watch on wild animals being washed down the river so that they can be identified in time and rescued safely,” ranger Satyam Kumar said on Tuesday.The forest department said animals including deer, sambar, wild boar and pythons are among the species occasionally swept away by strong currents during the monsoon and may end up near human settlements.Officials said the trained rescue teams remain on alert round the clock and rush to the spot upon receiving information, rescuing stranded animals and releasing them back into the forest after ensuring their safety.The department appealed to residents living along the riverbanks not to attempt to catch, chase or handle any wild animal seen in or near the river, and to immediately inform the forest department for a safe rescue operation.
