The Assam government is set to establish a state-of-the-art Wildlife Safari and Rescue Centre in Dibrugarh district at an estimated cost of Rs 534 crore, with the project aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation, rescue, research and eco-tourism in the state
GUWAHATI — The Assam government is set to establish a state-of-the-art Wildlife Safari and Rescue Centre in Dibrugarh district at an estimated cost of Rs 534 crore, with the project aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation, rescue, research and eco-tourism in the state, officials said on Monday.
The proposed facility will come up across around 235 hectares of land in the Namdang Reserved Forest under the Tingkhong Assembly constituency. The site is located approximately 20 km from Dibrugarh town and around 30 km from Dibrugarh airport.
Assam Forest and Climate Change Minister, Jayanta Malla Baruah, recently reviewed the proposed project during a meeting with senior officials of the Forest Department and other concerned departments.
According to officials, the project will be executed by the Assam Public Works Department (PWD) in two phases. The first phase, estimated to cost around Rs 259 crore, will focus on developing dedicated enclosures for major wildlife species, including tigers, rhinoceroses, leopards and bears.
The phase will also feature a veterinary hospital and a specialised rescue centre for the treatment, rehabilitation and management of wild animals.
The second phase, involving an estimated investment of Rs 275 crore, will focus on exotic species and advanced research facilities.
The proposed infrastructure will include enclosures for Asiatic lions, cheetahs, zebras and hippos, besides an advanced research centre.
Officials said the proposed centre is expected to emerge as a major wildlife conservation and rescue facility in Upper Assam, while also giving a boost to eco-tourism and creating employment opportunities in the region.
The location, with its proximity to Dibrugarh town and the airport, is expected to make the facility easily accessible to tourists and strengthen the scope for developing wildlife tourism in the region. The project is part of the Assam government's broader efforts to expand wildlife conservation infrastructure and develop modern facilities for the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, research and management of wild animals.