The Assam government has approved the Kaziranga Park expansion to strengthen conservation efforts and wildlife protection in the state. With the addition of 30.53 square kilometers, Kaziranga National Park will now cover a total area of 1,355.12 square kilometers.
This expansion includes new forest patches, wetlands, and animal corridors, aiming to reduce human-wildlife conflict and support biodiversity. The move reflects the state’s long-term vision for eco-conservation and sustainable tourism.
Assam Forest Department Announces New Areas
As part of the Kaziranga Park expansion, the Forest Department has notified multiple reserve forest areas as part of the national park. These include parts of the Biswanath Wildlife Division, riverine tracts, and vital elephant movement corridors.
Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary stated that the new buffer zones will offer better protection to animals, especially rhinos, elephants, and tigers, which often stray outside the current park limits.
By expanding the area under protection, the government also aims to curb illegal encroachments and poaching threats.
Focus on Rhino and Elephant Conservation
Kaziranga is home to over 2,600 one-horned rhinoceroses, the largest population globally. The Kaziranga Park expansion ensures these endangered species have additional safe zones for breeding and migration.
The new areas also include elephant corridors, vital for reducing man-animal conflict. Wild elephants frequently move between Kaziranga and nearby Karbi Anglong, and additional land will allow for safer passage.
Officials noted that better management of these corridors can significantly reduce crop damage and animal casualties.
Eco-Tourism and Local Employment Boost
The expansion is also expected to benefit eco-tourism. With Kaziranga drawing over two lakh visitors annually, the newly added areas may open up fresh zones for regulated safari routes and nature-based tourism.
Tour operators and local communities welcomed the decision. Many believe that tourism linked to conservation could create new jobs in guiding, hospitality, and transport.
During the announcement, Minister Patowary emphasized that the Kaziranga Park expansion would be inclusive, with affected local communities consulted at every step.
National Recognition for Conservation Efforts
The decision aligns with India’s broader wildlife conservation goals. In 2020, Kaziranga was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity.
Environmentalists praised Assam for taking proactive steps in increasing green cover and wildlife protection. They noted that the move will create a stronger buffer against climate change and deforestation.
Moreover, the Kaziranga model is often studied by other states due to its successful rhino conservation strategy, and this expansion is expected to further solidify that reputation.
The Kaziranga Park expansion marks a major step in Assam’s conservation journey. It strengthens animal protection, supports eco-tourism, and empowers local communities. With new areas brought under official protection, the future of Assam’s wildlife appears more secure and sustainable.
This development not only protects iconic species but also shows the state’s commitment to balancing human progress with nature.
