Northeast Desk, 11th May: In a remarkable milestone, Kaziranga National Park in Assam has reported its highest revenue in its fifty-year history, fueled by an unprecedented influx of tourists during the 2023–24 tourism year.
Renowned for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, the park witnessed a staggering 3,27,493 visitors during the current tourism season, including 13,919 international tourists. This surge in footfall translated into a record revenue of ₹8.8 crore generated from tourist activities.
Arun Vignesh, the Divisional Forest Officer of Kaziranga National Park, attributed the park’s popularity to high-profile visits by dignitaries, including the King of Bhutan, two Presidents, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, amidst the park’s celebratory atmosphere, a dramatic incident unfolded on May 11 morning, as forest rangers engaged in a life-threatening encounter with a suspected poacher within the park’s vicinity.
The confrontation took place at Agratali, a region nestled within Kaziranga National Park. Reports indicate that vigilant forest staff neutralized the poacher near a forest camp situated within the Rangamataria range, along the park’s eastern periphery.
Details of the encounter depict a harrowing exchange of fire, resulting in the poacher succumbing to gunshot wounds inflicted by park rangers. The incident underscores the unwavering commitment of park authorities to safeguard the biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park, with forest rangers displaying courage and resolve in the face of danger.
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