Construction of a state-of-the-art Wildlife Safari and Rescue Centre at Namdang Reserve Forest in Assam’s Dibrugarh district is set to begin soon after the state government approved Rs 534 crore for the project.
The facility will cover nearly 235 hectares in the Tingkhong constituency and is expected to boost tourism and wildlife conservation in Upper Assam.
Assam ministers Jayanta Malla Baruah and Bimal Bora recently reviewed the project separately with Forest Department officials and representatives of other concerned departments.
The Assam Public Works Department will implement the project in two phases. The first phase, costing Rs 259 crore, will include enclosures for tigers, rhinoceroses, leopards and bears, along with a veterinary hospital and wildlife rescue centre.
The second phase, estimated at Rs 275 crore, will focus on introducing exotic species, including Asiatic lions, cheetahs, zebras and hippopotamuses. The phase will also include an advanced research centre.
The project has generated enthusiasm among residents of Tingkhong, who expect it to establish the region as an important tourism destination. They also hope it will strengthen wildlife conservation and rescue efforts, promote eco-tourism and create employment opportunities for local youth.
Residents expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and local MLA and Minister Bimal Bora for supporting the project.
With implementation now moving forward, residents are awaiting the start of construction of the proposed major wildlife tourism facility in Upper Assam.
