GUWAHATI: Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Saturday, July 18, held an extensive consultation with tourism stakeholders at the Forest Convention Centre in Kohora to review preparations for the upcoming wildlife tourism season and chart a long-term roadmap for conservation and sustainable tourism in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
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The meeting brought together representatives of the tourism industry, local stakeholders and Forest Department officials to discuss measures for improving visitor facilities, strengthening wildlife conservation and enhancing coordination among agencies managing the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Mallabaruah said the consultation was aimed at ensuring early preparations for the next tourism season by incorporating practical suggestions from stakeholders. He asked participants to submit written recommendations within 10 days, after which the department would review them and prepare a comprehensive action plan.
"I had a very constructive discussion with the stakeholders today. I have requested everyone to submit their suggestions within the next 10 days. I will return to Kaziranga after that to review the recommendations and finalise our roadmap for the coming tourism season," the Minister said.
Mallabaruah said his previous tenure in the Tourism Department had given him a deeper understanding of Kaziranga's potential as well as the challenges faced by the tourism sector. He said the Forest Department would work closely with stakeholders to identify priority areas for conservation, visitor management and tourism development.
The meeting also sought suggestions on improving facilities for temporary forest workers, upgrading tourist amenities and strengthening wildlife protection measures. The Minister assured that every recommendation would be examined before final decisions are taken.
Emphasising the need for close coordination between the Forest and Tourism departments, he said sustainable tourism development must go hand in hand with the protection of Kaziranga's ecological integrity.
Referring to recent reports of forest destruction along the Chirang-Bhutan border, Mallabaruah said the department was maintaining strict vigil and had already deployed officials to the affected areas.
> "Boundary-related issues may arise, but destruction of forests in the name of such disputes will not be tolerated," he asserted.
On forest governance reforms, the Minister said the department had introduced an online Transit Permit system, including Brown Transit Permits for transporting sand and gravel. The digital platform enables online payments, reduces human intervention and enhances transparency. He urged traders to make payments through the portal and report any harassment by officials via WhatsApp for prompt action.
According to the Minister, the online system has improved revenue collection while ensuring greater transparency. He added that the department would continue simplifying procedures and gradually introduce technologies such as CCTV surveillance and body cameras at inter-state border check posts to strengthen accountability.
Mallabaruah also underlined the need to boost Kaziranga's tourism revenue by improving hospitality infrastructure without compromising conservation.
> "There is considerable scope to increase tourism revenue through better visitor facilities, including quality accommodation for different categories of tourists, while ensuring environmental safeguards remain paramount," he said.
He added that revenue generated through responsible tourism would support wildlife conservation, habitat management and other developmental activities within protected areas.
On the issue of year-round tourism, the Minister clarified that tourism inside Kaziranga's core area cannot continue throughout the year because of ecological requirements, particularly the annual flood cycle that sustains the park's biodiversity. However, he said the department would explore ways to promote tourism-related activities during the off-season to help hotels and tourism service providers sustain livelihoods without affecting wildlife conservation.
He further said issues concerning temporary forest workers, grassland conservation, roadside tree management and other departmental matters would be taken up in subsequent meetings.
Reiterating the government's commitment to a participatory approach, Mallabaruah said stakeholder inputs would help shape a comprehensive strategy for the sustainable management of Kaziranga.
Cabinet Minister Keshab Mahanta, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, and senior officials of the Forest Department and district administration also attended the meeting.