Guwahati: In a significant move to elevate tourism in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Manas National Park, a globally recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, is now poised to welcome tourists throughout the year, including the monsoon season. This decision comes after productive discussions between the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) tourism department and Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, signalling a new chapter for the ecologically rich park and the local economy.
Dharm Narayan Das, the BTC Executive Member for Tourism, made the announcement on Monday during a programme held at Golagaon in Baksa district. He highlighted that the proposal aims to capitalise on the surging visitor numbers witnessed since peace returned to the BTR, envisioning a substantial increase in tourist footfall and, consequently, a boost to local livelihoods and regional development. Traditionally, Manas National Park has remained closed during the heavy monsoon months owing to challenging weather conditions and safety concerns. However, authorities are confident that enhanced security measures and improved infrastructure within and around the park now make year-round accessibility a viable and beneficial option.
Further demonstrating the commitment to regional development, Das also laid the foundation stone for a new welcome gate at Golagaon. This village has recently earned the distinction of being declared a “Green Village,” and an allocation of around Rs 40 lakh has been earmarked for its holistic development under this initiative. The move to open Manas year-round is expected to offer a continuous stream of opportunities for communities dependent on tourism, from guides and homestay operators to local artisans and businesses, firmly placing Manas on the global tourism map as a perennial destination.
Read More: Fresh Landslide Cripples Lumding-Badarpur Rail Line Yet Again