National Park
A National Park is a protected area established by the government, where activities like hunting, poaching, grazing, and deforestation are strictly prohibited to conserve wildlife and natural habitats.
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides a legal framework for the protection of wildlife and the regulation of national parks in India.
Key Provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Enactment Year | 1972 |
Objective | To protect wildlife and prevent poaching, illegal trade, and habitat destruction. |
Categories of Protected Areas | National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves. |
Restrictions in National Parks | No human activities like hunting, grazing, or deforestation allowed. |
Authority Responsible | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). |
Amendments | Updated over the years to include stricter penalties and better conservation measures. |
| Parameter | Details |
| Total Number of National Parks in India | 106 |
| Total Number of National Parks in Assam | 8 |
| Percentage Contribution of Assam | ~6.6% (According to total numbers in India) ~ 3.4% (Accordinng to the area of state covered) |
| Notable Species Protected | One-Horned Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Golden Langur |
| Unique Features | Part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, rich in wetlands and grasslands |
Assam has a total of 8 National Parks ;
| National Park | Area (sq. km) | Location (District) | Year of Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaziranga National Park | 430 | Golaghat, Nagaon, Biswanath, Karbi Anglong | 1974 |
| Manas National Park | 950 | Chirang, Baksa | 1990 |
| Nameri National Park | 200 | Sonitpur | 1999 |
| Dibru-Saikhowa National Park | 340 | Dibrugarh, Tinsukia | 1999 |
| Orang National Park | 299.14 | Darrang, Sonitpur | 1999 |
| Raimona National Park | 422 | Kokrajhar | 2021 |
| Dehing Patkai National Park | 234.26 | Dibrugarh, Tinsukia | 2021 |
| Shikna Jwhwlao National Park | 321.90 | Kokrajhar, Chirang | 2025 |
Note:
National Parks lying along North Bank of River Brahmputra :
- Raimona National Park (Westernmost National Park of Assam)
- Shikna Jwhwlao National Park
- Manas National Park (Largest National Park of Assam)
- Orang National Park
- Nameri National Park (Smallest National Park of Assam)
National Parks lying along South Bank of River Brahmputra :
- Kaziranga National Park (Expanded in 4 districts (Maximum))
- Dibru-saikhowa National Park
- Dehing-Patkai National Park (Easternmost National Park of Assam)
National Parks touching River Brahmputra or lying along its floodplain zone :
- Orang National Park
- Kaziranga National Park
- Dibru-saikhowa National Park
National Parks touching Bhutan :
- Raimona National Park
- Shikna Jwhwlao National Park
- Manas National Park
National Parks touching Arunachal Pradesh :
- Nameri National Park
- Dehing-Patkai National Park
Importance of National Parks
Biodiversity Conservation – Protects endangered species and their habitats.
Ecological Balance – Maintains natural ecosystems and food chains.
Climate Regulation – Helps in carbon sequestration and reducing global warming.
Scientific Research – Provides opportunities for ecological and wildlife studies.
Tourism and Economy – Promotes eco-tourism and generates revenue.
Cultural and Heritage Value – Some parks preserve historical and cultural sites.
Current Affairs: National Parks in Assam
1. Newest National Park
As of February 2025, Assam has officially designated its eighth national park:
Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park: Notified by the Assam Cabinet on February 16, 2025, this park spans approximately 316 square kilometers along the India-Bhutan border, encompassing areas in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts. It serves as a crucial wildlife corridor between Manas National Park to the east and Raimona National Park to the west.
2. Latest Census and Conservation Reports
Recent wildlife surveys in Assam’s national parks have yielded positive trends:
Elephant Population Estimation (2024): The survey recorded a total of 5,828 elephants, indicating a stable population with a positive growth trend. The adult female to calf ratio stands at approximately 0.49, reflecting a strong reproductive rate and successful conservation efforts.
Kaziranga National Park Tourism (2024): The UNESCO World Heritage site reported a surge in tourist arrivals, with 220,000 visitors in 2024, compared to 136,000 in 2023. This influx generated approximately ₹5.7 crore in revenue over three months, highlighting the park’s growing appeal.
3. Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) Orders
Recent judicial interventions concerning Assam’s national parks include:
Industrial Encroachment Near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: In August 2024, the NGT ordered a joint committee to investigate alleged industrial activities, including the establishment of brick kilns, cement factories, and stone quarries within the proposed eco-sensitive zone of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon, Assam.
Kaziranga National Park: The NGT recently dismissed a petition against luxury hotels near Kaziranga National Park, sparking controversy among legal experts and environmentalists.
4. Role of NGOs and International Organizations
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and international bodies play a pivotal role in the conservation of Assam’s national parks through:
Community Engagement and Conservation: Purnima Devi Barman, a dedicated conservationist, has been instrumental in protecting the endangered greater adjutant stork in Assam. Through her “Hargila Army,” comprising around 20,000 women, the stork’s population has risen from approximately 450 in 2007 to over 1,800 by 2025.
Technological Interventions: The conservation group Aaranyak developed the “Haati App” (Elephant App) to prevent human-elephant conflicts. This mobile application alerts villagers and farmers about the presence of elephants near human settlements, helping to reduce fatal encounters.
Research and Advocacy: Organizations like Aaranyak conduct scientific research, provide environmental education, and advocate for policy reforms to foster biodiversity conservation in Northeast India.