GUWAHATI: Assam’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Sunday, August 9, announced several proposed changes to improve tourist facilities and streamline operations ahead of the upcoming tourism season in Kaziranga National Park.
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Addressing the media in Kaziranga after a meeting with stakeholders from the tourism sector, Baruah said the government discussed various measures to improve the overall experience for visitors while ensuring that tourism activities remain in line with eco-tourism guidelines.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Forest and Tourism departments, local representatives and stakeholders associated with the tourism sector.
One of the key decisions discussed was the introduction of an online booking system for jeep and elephant safaris.
According to Baruah, the proposed system will allow tourists to check the availability of safaris and book their preferred dates and slots in advance. The move is aimed at making the safari booking process more convenient and reducing difficulties faced by visitors.
“Today in Kaziranga, we met with all stakeholders of the tourism sector, officials from the Forest Department, Tourism Department, and local communities. The Tourism Minister, Forest Minister, and local ministers were all present, and we discussed how to work during the upcoming tourism season, what facilities are needed, and how to improve the experience,” Baruah said.
The minister also said that the government is working towards revising tourism-related rates in Kaziranga. He pointed out that the rates have not been revised for the past 11 years.
Baruah said the Forest Department will soon issue a notification regarding the revised rates after considering suggestions received from stakeholders.
“With the increase in visitors, we are focusing on regulating tourism while adhering to eco-tourism standards and guidelines for national parks and tiger reserves,” the minister said.
He added that discussions were also held on revenue adjustments and the need to bring tourism charges in line with current requirements.
Another issue discussed during the meeting was the use of mobile phones by visitors inside national parks and tiger reserves.
Baruah said the Assam government will follow the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court regarding mobile phone usage in protected areas. He said the government will issue necessary directions accordingly.
“Regarding mobile phones, we are working within Supreme Court guidelines, which restrict mobile phones in national parks and tiger reserves. Directions will be issued accordingly,” Baruah said.
The government has said that the changes will seek to balance the growing number of tourists with the need to maintain eco-tourism standards and protect the national park’s sensitive ecosystem.