Kaziranga, Jan. 05: In just three months since reopening in October 2024, the world-famous Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), located in Assam, has generated ₹5.7 Crore in revenue. It was recorded that the previous year’s earnings for the same season/period were Rs. 3.00 crore.
2.2 lakh tourists visited the park, up from 1.36 lakh in 2023, with 7,500 of those visitors coming from outside the country, according to the UNESCO World Heritage site. This indicates that there is a renewed interest in the park’s natural wonders around the world.
In the 2024 tourist flow has been very encouraging, with a substantial rise in both domestic and foreign visitors,” stated Arun Vignesh, the park’s Deputy Director and Divisional Forest Officer. In Kaziranga National Park, we learn that the Kohora range saw the most visitors, followed by the Bagori range. Tiger sightings were mostly reported in the Burapahar range.
According to DFO Vignesh, the year 2024 was especially noteworthy for conservation efforts in Kaziranga because forest officials were able to stop poaching attempts; in January 2024, only two one-horned rhinos were stolen. The year saw the arrest of 24 rhino poachers in total.
To improve security, the park now has two Police Commando Action Groups, 130 Forest Protection Force constables, and 125 new employees, it was reported. Participation of the community and future plans By establishing an eco-shop that sells handcrafted products produced by nearby artisans community, Kaziranga has also made progress in the area of community welfare.
Additionally, jeep and elephant safari supervisors underwent skill development training in collaboration with the Textile Ministry and Central Silk Board. In a remarkable initiative led by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), North Eastern Region (NER), under the leadership of the then Regional Director (NER) i/c, Shri Deeptansu Haldar, and the Assam Forest Department, Kamrup Division, headed by the then Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), Smt. Sonali Ghosh, IFoS, a transformative Handicraft Technical Training Programme (HTTP) on Cane and Bamboo Craft was undertaken during 2022-23.
This two-month training program focused on Cane and Bamboo Jewellery and aimed to uplift the livelihoods of artisans in the forest villages of Logharghat Forest Division. Around 15-20 artisans participated, learning the art of crafting exquisite and sustainable jewelry.
The initiative was driven by a dual-purpose vision: to shift the livelihood of forest village artisans from unconventional forest activities, often detrimental to forest sustainability, to conventional, eco-friendly activities that align with conservation goals. By equipping artisans with skills in Cane and Bamboo Craft, the program sought to create sustainable income opportunities while preserving the region’s natural resources.
The results of the training were extraordinary. Within just three months, the trained artisans generated an income of ₹3 lakhs through their craft business. This rapid success highlighted the untapped potential of Cane and Bamboo Jewellery as a viable and lucrative livelihood option for forest communities.
Recognizing the artisans’ potential, the Office of the DC (Handicrafts), under the guidance of Shri Deeptansu Haldar, organized a one-month Design Development Workshop in the Year 2023 as part of the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP). This workshop provided advanced training to 30 artisans from the same forest village, focusing on innovative designs and enhancing their craftsmanship.
Today, Logharghat Forest Division boasts a thriving artisan community of over 100 individuals. Numerous small Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged, dedicated to Cane and Bamboo Jewellery production. Collectively, these artisans now earn more than ₹10 lakhs annually, showcasing the transformative power of skill development and sustainable practices.
The artisans’ journey has not only been about economic empowerment but also about gaining visibility and recognition. With support from the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) and other government departments, these artisans now participate in various marketing events, exhibitions, and fairs. These platforms have enabled them to showcase their unique products, connect with buyers, and expand their market reach.
The success story of Logharghat Forest Division exemplifies the impact of targeted interventions in skill development and sustainable livelihoods. By transforming forest-dependent communities into skilled artisans, this initiative has created a model for balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. It stands as a testament to the potential of crafts to empower communities, preserve traditions, and foster sustainability.
This inspiring journey underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government bodies, local communities, and skilled professionals to drive positive change and ensure a brighter future for artisans across the nation.
Looking ahead, the park plans to conduct a waterfowl census and an annual camera-trapping exercise for tiger monitoring in 2025. Kaziranga’s achievements in 2024 establish the combined efforts of various government programs, local communities, social workers, and conservation teams,” said authority concerned.
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