Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Saturday held an extensive review meeting at the Forest Convention Centre, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, to chart a sustainable conservation and tourism roadmap ahead of the forthcoming wildlife tourism season.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the tourism industry, local stakeholders and officials of the Forest Department. Discussions focused on improving visitor facilities, strengthening wildlife conservation and enhancing coordination among agencies managing Kaziranga.
Addressing the media, the Minister said the objective was to prepare well in advance for the next tourism season by incorporating practical suggestions from all stakeholders. He requested stakeholders to submit their recommendations in writing to the department within 10 days for examination and inclusion in the future action plan.
“I have had a very constructive discussion with the stakeholders today. I will return to Kaziranga after 10 days to review the recommendations and finalise our roadmap for the coming tourism season,” Mallabaruah said.
The Minister, who previously handled the Tourism portfolio, said the Forest and Tourism Departments would work together to ensure balanced development while safeguarding Kaziranga’s ecological integrity. He invited suggestions on facilities for temporary forest workers, tourist amenities and wildlife protection measures.
On conservation, he reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting forest areas from illegal encroachment and deforestation. Referring to reports of forest destruction along the Chirang-Bhutan border, he said strict vigil was being maintained and officials deployed to the locations.
On governance reforms, Baruah said the department has introduced an online system for Transit Permits, including Brown Transit Permits for sand and gravel, enabling digital payments to reduce human intervention. He urged traders to pay revenue online and report harassment via WhatsApp.
The Minister also said the department would explore off-season tourism activities outside Kaziranga’s core area to support local livelihoods, as tourism inside the core cannot continue year-round due to ecological needs and annual floods.
Cabinet Minister Keshab Mahanta, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and senior Forest and district administration officials were also present.
