Sachin Tendulkar Explores UNESCO World Heritage Kaziranga
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Synopsis
On April 8, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar explored Kaziranga National Park, engaging with local conservationists and staff. His visit highlighted the park's rich biodiversity and the significant role of Assam's youth in sports.
Key Takeaways
- Sachin Tendulkar visited Kaziranga National Park with family.
- He interacted with conservation staff and mahouts.
- Tendulkar spotted a Bengal Tiger during his safari.
- Kaziranga is home to the largest population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses.
- His visit emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation.
Guwahati, April 8 (NationPress) Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, along with his family, visited the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) on Tuesday, celebrated for its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.
Officials reported that Tendulkar ventured into the Western Range (Bagori) for a deeper understanding of the area's natural splendor.
His itinerary featured a visit to the Dunga Camp, where he interacted with the dedicated frontline staff and ‘Van Durgas’, a group of female staff committed to conservation, followed by an exhilarating safari.
The cricket legend, on a family getaway with his wife, daughter, and close friends, also toured the Central Range (Kohora), where he climbed the Daflang Tower to observe the wetland ecosystem and wildlife, notably spotting a Bengal Tiger during the afternoon safari.
Additionally, he visited the Karasin Anti-Poaching Camp (APC) and Pilkhana, where he engaged with the mahouts and the department's elephants.
Tendulkar’s engagement was a significant morale booster for the dedicated teams working tirelessly to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site, as noted by a senior forest official.
During his stay in Kaziranga, the cricket superstar expressed admiration for the hard work of conservationists and forest staff, acknowledging their vital role in safeguarding the region's unique biodiversity.
The KNPTR is home to the largest population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses, making it an essential site for wildlife conservation.
According to officials, Kaziranga's diverse ecosystems, which include tigers, elephants, and numerous bird species, are known for their breathtaking landscapes.
The park features several wetlands and includes two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) recognized for their significance to waterbirds - Kaziranga National Park and Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Home to a remarkable number of the Big Five, it comprises 2,613 Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses as per the 2022 census, 104 Bengal Tigers, 1,228 Asian Elephants as per 2024 estimates, 2,565 Wild Water Buffalos, and 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deers recorded in 2022.
Kaziranga, famous for its impressive population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, is also a hub of athletic talent. Golaghat, in particular, has produced several outstanding women cricketers, such as Uma Chetry from Kandulimari village in Bokakhat.
Chetry made history as the first cricketer from Assam selected for the Indian women's national cricket team, alongside Jintimani Kalita from Mangaldai, paving the way for future sportswomen.
Moreover, Golaghat is the home of other notable sports figures, including Lovlina Buragohain, an Olympic boxing medalist, and Nikhamoni Bora, the state’s first certified female sailor. These trailblazers motivate numerous young athletes across Assam to chase their sports aspirations.
Tendulkar’s visit emphasizes the significance of conservation and the potential of Assam’s youth in sports.
His interactions with the local community serve as a reminder that with commitment and backing, the future of Indian sports looks promising. The KNPTR is segmented into three divisions - the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Bokakhat; the Bishwanath Wildlife Division, Biswanath Chariali; and the Nagaon Wildlife Division, Nagaon.
On April 3, Tendulkar had previously visited various tourist attractions and significant locations in Meghalaya, where he met with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
