Meet to promote eco-tourism in Dihing Patkai park held
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Dibrugarh: A stakeholder consultation meeting under the Assam Project on Forest & Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) brought together forest officials and community representatives at the Joypore forest inspection bungalow in Dihing Patkai National Park, Dibrugarh, on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward sustainable conservation and eco-tourism in the region.
The meeting focused on pushing forward responsible tourism around Dihing Patkai, a region known for its rich rainforest and diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and rare bird species.
"Our goal is to balance conservation with livelihood opportunities. By promoting community-based eco-tourism, we can ensure local populations benefit while protecting our biodiversity. The idea is to create a structured, low-impact tourism model that lets visitors experience nature without harming the ecosystem," said Nandha Kumar, divisional forest officer, Dibrugarh forest division.
Among the key proposals discussed was the construction of a formal tourist entry gate to regulate visitor flow and improve monitoring. Officials also outlined infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing visitor experience with minimal ecological disruption.
The meeting emphasised raising awareness about protected area conservation among locals and visitors, and explored strategies to mitigate human-elephant conflict — a growing concern in the region.
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"Human-elephant conflict is one of our most pressing challenges. We need innovative solutions that protect both wildlife and people. This meeting produced several promising ideas that we aim to implement systematically," Kumar added.
Dihing Patkai National Park, home to endangered species and pristine rainforest, relies on collaboration between govt agencies and local communities to ensure conservation success.
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