Kaziranga National Park Considers New Eco-Tourism Measures
New Initiatives for Eco-Tourism in Kaziranga
File image of tourists during a jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park (Photo: X)
Guwahati, Aug 1: Visitors to Kaziranga National Park might soon need to leave their mobile devices at home, reserve safaris online, and plan their visits around a designated weekly closure day. These potential changes are being considered by the Assam Forest Department to enhance eco-tourism and wildlife preservation efforts.
The suggested modifications are being evaluated in accordance with the Supreme Court's directives regarding tiger reserves, as outlined in an order from November 17, 2025.
Officials from the Forest Department have indicated that no conclusive decisions have been made yet, and they are currently engaging with various stakeholders.
A senior official linked to Kaziranga mentioned that this initiative was prompted by the Forest Minister's instructions to foster sustainable eco-tourism while adhering to the Supreme Court's guidelines.
According to the official, "The Forest Minister has tasked us with identifying strategies to enhance eco-tourism in Kaziranga. We have requested input from all stakeholders, and their recommendations have been received. Concurrently, we must comply with the Supreme Court's directives from November 17, 2025, applicable to all tiger reserves."
The Supreme Court has urged all states to implement the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) tourism guidelines, emphasizing that eco-tourism should not mimic mass tourism but should evolve into a community-based tourism model surrounding tiger reserves.
The guidelines advocate for strict adherence to vehicular capacity limits, a total prohibition on night tourism, traffic regulation through core habitats from dusk until dawn (except for emergencies), and restrictions on mobile phone usage within tourism zones of core tiger habitats.
The official noted that the guidelines suggest measures like limiting mobile phone usage in protected areas, instituting a weekly closure day, and adopting additional practices aimed at enhancing wildlife management.
"We are reviewing all suggestions, and a suitable decision will be made following discussions with the government," the official added.
The Forest Department has stressed that these proposals are still in the consultative phase and will only be enacted after thorough discussions with stakeholders and relevant groups.