Assam forest minister deliberates with Kaziranga stakeholders for sustainable tourism

Guwahati, Jul 18 (PTI) Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Saturday discussed with stakeholders associated with the tourism sector in Kaziranga National Park, inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, to chart a sustainable conservation and tourism roadmap. The participants at the meeting also deliberated on preparations for the next wildlife tourism season, an official statement said. The meeting was attended by representatives from the tourism industry, local stakeholders and officials of the Forest Department. The discussed measures aimed at improving visitor facilities, strengthening wildlife conservation and enhancing coordination among all agencies involved in the management of Kaziranga, an official statement said. Addressing the media after the meeting, the minister said the objective of the consultation was to prepare well in advance for the next tourism season by incorporating practical suggestions from all stakeholders. He requested the stakeholders to submit their recommendations in writing to his department within the next 10 days so that they could be examined and incorporated into the action plan. "I will return to Kaziranga to review the recommendations and finalise our roadmap for the coming tourism season," he said. Baruah said that his previous experience as the state’s tourism minister has given him a close understanding of Kaziranga's strengths as well as the challenges faced by the tourism sector. He said the Forest Department would work in close consultation with stakeholders to identify priority interventions for conservation, visitor management and tourism development. Highlighting the importance of institutional coordination, Baruah said the Forest and Tourism departments would work together to ensure balanced development while safeguarding the ecological integrity of KNP. Referring to experiences from other wildlife destinations in the country, he said there is considerable scope to increase tourism revenue through better facilities, including quality accommodation for different categories of visitors, without compromising environmental safeguards. The minister added that increased revenue generated through responsible tourism would directly support wildlife conservation, habitat management and other developmental works within protected areas. On the issue of year-round tourism, Baruah said that tourism activities inside the core area of KNP cannot continue throughout the year due to ecological requirements, including the annual flood cycle that sustains the Park's unique biodiversity. However, the department would explore options for promoting tourism-related activities during the off-season so that local stakeholders, including hotels and tourism service providers, could sustain their livelihoods throughout the year without affecting wildlife conservation, the minister added. The park is not just about one-horned rhinos and tigers but is also home to elephants, wild water buffalo, and several bird species. Ganges River Dolphins are also found in the rivers that crisscross the park. PTI SSG NN