Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya praised the courageous ‘Van Durgas’ for protecting Kaziranga National Park. With record tourism, rising revenue, and global recognition, Kaziranga reopens for the 2025–26 season, showcasing its wildlife, conservation efforts, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Monday lauded the unwavering commitment and bravery of the ‘Van Durgas’—a team of dedicated female forest guards entrusted with safeguarding the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR). During his visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Governor underlined their vital role in protecting wildlife, particularly the world-famous one-horned rhinoceros, and preserving the park’s ecological balance.
Governor Acharya, accompanied by First Lady Kumud Devi, entered the park through the Bagori Range and undertook a jeep safari to explore the vast biodiversity of Kaziranga. The couple also engaged closely with elephants, feeding them sugarcane, and later reviewed ongoing conservation initiatives. Highlighting their dedication, the Governor expressed that the work of the ‘Van Durgas’ exemplifies the spirit of service and courage in safeguarding Assam’s natural heritage.
Van Durgas: Guardians of Kaziranga
The term ‘Van Durga’ is used for women forest guards who form the frontline defense of Kaziranga’s conservation efforts. Tasked with patrolling dense forests and riverine habitats, they have been pivotal in protecting wildlife, particularly against threats like poaching. Their dedication has drawn national attention, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Kaziranga in March 2024, interacted with them and praised their courage and performance.
Governor Acharya reiterated Modi’s sentiments, noting that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, Kaziranga has witnessed significant infrastructural advancements. These developments, ranging from better visitor facilities to improved anti-poaching measures, have strengthened tourism while enhancing the park’s global stature as a site of ecological and cultural importance.
Tourism Boost and Conservation Efforts
The Governor’s visit comes just ahead of the official reopening of Kaziranga National Park on September 26, marking the start of the 2025–26 tourism season. Park authorities are optimistic that the reopening will once again allow visitors to witness Kaziranga’s remarkable wildlife, including the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and a diverse bird population.
KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh emphasized that the park’s tourism activities are designed to complement conservation objectives. “These initiatives reaffirm Kaziranga’s commitment to wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism, and community engagement,” she stated. The tourism season usually runs from October to mid-May, with the park closed during the monsoon due to annual flooding.
Record Tourism and Revenue Growth
Kaziranga has recorded remarkable growth in tourist footfall and revenue in recent years. According to official figures, the park registered an all-time high of 4,06,564 visitors in 2024–25, which included 17,693 foreign tourists. This figure marks a fourfold increase over the past decade.
“What has been remarkable is the increase in foreign tourists (17,693), which now accounts for 4.5 per cent of the total visitors,” Director Ghosh noted. The surge in international tourists, she added, reflects the global recognition of Kaziranga as a premier wildlife destination.
The park also registered a revenue of over ₹10.90 crore in 2024–25, reflecting a 21.19 per cent increase compared to ₹8.81 crore in 2023–24. Spread across the districts of Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Biswanath, Kaziranga’s success story demonstrates the synergy between conservation and sustainable economic development.
Global Recognition and Local Pride
Governor Acharya concluded his visit by stressing that the success of Kaziranga is not only a matter of ecological pride but also of cultural identity for Assam and India. He said that the resilience of its wildlife and the dedication of its protectors—the ‘Van Durgas’—inspire confidence in the future of conservation.
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As the park reopens for tourists, both domestic and international visitors are expected to flock to the site, eager to experience its pristine beauty and wildlife. Kaziranga continues to symbolize the harmony of human dedication and natural wealth, with the Van Durgas standing as its most steadfast guardians.
