Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday, 30 May 2026, highlighted a surge in wildlife tourism across the state, pointing to over 1 lakh visitors at Manas National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary as evidence of a thriving conservation-linked economy.

Context

In his post, CM Sarma noted that the visitor milestone — covering both Manas and Pobitora — has generated a broader economic ecosystem ranging from jeep safaris to eco-resorts. He credited 'sustained conservation efforts' for making the numbers possible and framed the growth as a demonstration of Assam's natural heritage on the world stage.

The post signals the state government's intent to position wildlife tourism as a pillar of local livelihood generation, not merely an environmental achievement.

Policy Backdrop

Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1985, was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger for years due to insurgency-related damage before being removed in 2011 following a sustained recovery. It is also a designated Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located east of Guwahati, is globally recognised for having the world's highest density of the one-horned rhinoceros and has built a growing jeep-safari economy around that distinction. Community-based eco-tourism initiatives around both sites gained momentum after the 2003 peace accords that reduced militancy in the Bodoland region, allowing the Assam Forest Department to expand infrastructure and anti-poaching operations.

The broader national context is relevant: several Indian states have leveraged stabilised tiger and rhino populations post-2010 to drive domestic tourism revenue, with the emphasis on eco-resorts outside core zones to minimise habitat disruption while maximising local employment.

Stakeholders and Impact

The primary beneficiaries of the tourism uptick are forest-dependent households, local guides, jeep-safari operators, and community-managed resort enterprises around both protected areas. The Assam Forest Department plays a central role in regulating this economy while maintaining conservation standards.

For local communities in the Bodoland Territorial Region — historically affected by conflict — wildlife tourism represents an alternative livelihood stream tied directly to the health of the ecosystem. Eco-resort operators and small enterprises supplying food, transport, and hospitality services also stand to gain from sustained visitor growth.

What's Next

The next annual visitor data release by Assam Tourism will be closely watched to confirm whether the 1 lakh+ figure represents a single season or a cumulative trend. Any new eco-tourism policy or dedicated budget allocation in the 2026-27 Assam state budget could signal how aggressively the government plans to scale this model.

Rhino and tiger census results expected in late 2026 will also be a key indicator of whether conservation outcomes are keeping pace with the tourism boom — a balance that will ultimately determine the long-term viability of Assam's wildlife economy.