Guwahati, Sept 26: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve officially reopened for tourists on Friday, signaling the start of the 2025-26 tourism season. The opening ceremony took place at the Western Range in Bagori, attended by dignitaries including Kaziranga MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia.
The festivities commenced with a traditional puja, marking the official beginning of the safari season. Several key events were highlighted, including a floral tribute to the beloved singer Zubeen Garg and the launch of a solar drinking water project supported by REC CSR, aimed at enhancing the water supply in 120 anti-poaching camps within Kaziranga.
An official statement noted, “With the start of this season, tourists can again experience the park’s extraordinary flora and fauna, including the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and a diverse array of bird species. These initiatives reflect Kaziranga’s dedication to wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism, and community involvement.”
Additionally, a commemorative event was held at Kohora range to pay respects to the celebrated singer Bhupen Hazarika on the centennial of his birth, as well as to Mahi Chandra Miri, a legendary figure in Kaziranga’s history.
On this occasion, NEEPCO donated an ambulance to the park, and uniforms were provided to 650 jungle safari drivers. Furthermore, the “SAAHAS-LIC CSR waste management project and Kaziranga Green Future” initiative was introduced to implement extensive waste management strategies across five gaon panchayats in the Kaziranga landscape, as well as address plastic waste challenges.
A collaborative study report, released during the event and conducted by Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve alongside The Corbett Foundation, documented the impressive diversity of insects and spiders inhabiting Kaziranga’s woodland areas. The study identified 283 unique species, categorized into 18 insect orders and 2 arachnid orders.
“This research underscores the park’s position as a hotspot for invertebrate diversity and emphasizes the critical role even the smallest organisms play in maintaining Kaziranga’s ecosystems. It highlights the necessity of preserving the park’s complex web of life for future generations,” the statement asserted.
This season, new visitor amenities are set to enhance the experience at the park. Upgrades include improved sanitation and drinking water facilities, water ATMs providing potable water at entrance gates, and ATMs with international debit card functionality at key locations. Additionally, a mobile app for online safari bookings and new exploratory routes for adventure tourism-featuring hiking, trekking, and aquatic experiences in the buffer areas-are also in the works.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/09/26/kaziranga-national-park-reopens-for-tourists-2/
Category: NATIONAL,News Alert,REGIONAL
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Publish Date: 2025-09-26 18:10:00
