Assam Unveils Rs 534 Crore Plan For Major Wildlife Safari

GUWAHATI-The Assam government is set to establish a state-of-the-art Wildlife Safari and Rescue Centre in Dibrugarh district at an estimated cost of Rs 534 crore, aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation, rescue, research and eco-tourism in the state.

The proposed facility will come up across around 235 hectares of land in the Namdang Reserved Forest under the Tingkhong Assembly constituency. The site is approximately 20 km from Dibrugarh town and around 30 km from Dibrugarh airport.

Assam Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah recently reviewed the proposed project at a meeting with senior officials of the Forest Department and other concerned departments.

According to officials, the project will be executed by the Assam Public Works Department (PWD) in two phases. The first phase, estimated to cost around Rs 259 crore, will focus on developing dedicated enclosures for major wildlife species, including tigers, rhinoceroses, leopards and bears.

It will also include a veterinary hospital and a specialized rescue center for the treatment, rehabilitation and management of wild animals.

The second phase, involving an estimated investment of Rs 275 crore, will focus on exotic species and advanced research facilities.

The proposed infrastructure will include enclosures for Asiatic lions, cheetahs, zebras and hippos, besides an advanced research center.

The center is expected to boost eco-tourism and create employment opportunities in Upper Assam. Its proximity to Dibrugarh town and the airport is expected to make the facility easily accessible to tourists and strengthen the scope for wildlife tourism in the region. (IANS)