Manas National Park in 2025: A Crossroad of Conservation and Tourism Growth
By JAGAT [28-May-25] Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Manas National Park stands out as one of India’s most stunning natural landscapes. Spanning lush forests, river valleys, and grasslands, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital biosphere reserve. Located in Assam, it’s home to an impressive array of rare and endangered species like the wild water buffalo, golden langur, pygmy hog, and the Indian one-horned rhinos. But beyond its scenic beauty, Manas also plays a crucial role as an elephant corridor linking India and Bhutan.
In 2025, Manas National Park finds itself at a pivotal moment, balancing growing calls for year-round tourism with urgent conservation needs. Recently, Assam's Tourism Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass proposed keeping the park open to visitors throughout the year, citing its flood-free geography. The aim? Boost ecotourism, generate jobs, and strengthen local economies. But this optimistic vision comes at a time when the park is also grappling with sobering realities, like the recent arrest of three poachers involved in the brutal killing of two wild elephants. With conservationists raising alarms and tourism stakeholders pushing for broader access, Manas now stands at a crossroads where every decision impacts both its wildlife and its future.
The Double-Edged Sword of Year-Round Tourism
At first glance, the idea of opening Manas national park to tourists all year seems like a win-win. No monsoon flooding like other parts of Assam? Great. More jobs for local communities? Even better. Minister Ranjeet Dass's recent pitch to make the park more accessible is part of a broader strategy to turn Assam into a year-round travel hotspot.
However, there’s a catch, and it’s a big one. More footfall means more pressure on fragile ecosystems. The park’s wildlife, especially species like elephants and rhinos, already face enough stress from habitat loss and illegal activities. Increasing human presence could unintentionally disrupt migration patterns, disturb breeding zones, and contribute to pollution. While tourism can support conservation funding, it must be regulated with laser-sharp precision, or the very thing that attracts visitors, its pristine wilderness, could be lost.
The Dark Shadow of Poaching
If there is brightness, there is darkness too. Just days before this tourism proposal made headlines, Manas National Park faced a heartbreaking incident. In early May 2025, authorities arrested three individuals in connection with the poaching of two wild elephants. Tusk removal, believed to be the motive, was brutal and deliberate. The forest department, thankfully, acted swiftly, recovering the tusks and seizing illegal firearms from the culprits.
But this isn’t an isolated case. Wildlife trafficking in this region remains a constant threat. Elephants are especially vulnerable due to the high demand for ivory in illegal markets. Poaching doesn’t just take animal lives—it undermines years of conservation work and weakens the ecosystem's health. This stark reality casts a long shadow over any plans to scale up tourism. Before thinking about bringing in more people, the authorities should first ensure the park is a safe haven for its original inhabitants.
Conclusion
Local communities around Manas National Park are deeply invested in its future. Many are employed in tourism - running homestays, working as guides, or participating in cultural shows. For them, a year-round tourist season means stable income and improved infrastructure. But they also understand the fragility of their surroundings. Many have firsthand experience with human-wildlife conflict or have seen the aftermath of poaching. Their voices must be part of the planning process as Assam looks to expand access to Manas. Sustainable tourism can't just be about numbers, it has to be about shared responsibility.
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