Tripura’s 1st elephant safari is set to launch before August 15, announced Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma. The initiative aims to promote eco-tourism and address man-elephant conflict, with new infrastructure, trained staff, and non-lethal deterrents in place to ensure safety for both tourists and wildlife.
In boosting eco-tourism and wildlife awareness in Tripura, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma announced that the state’s first-ever elephant safari is likely to begin before August 15, 2025. Speaking exclusively to Tripura Times, Debbarma stated that all necessary arrangements for launching the much-awaited adventure activity have been completed.
“The elephant safari is an ambitious project of the department, and everything is now in place to initiate the service,” said the Minister. He added that the project is in its final phase, with only minor logistical aspects pending. “I have reviewed the preparations personally and instructed the officials to ensure that all safety and comfort measures are met,” Debbarma told the media.
To ensure that the service runs smoothly and is optimally tailored for tourists, Debbarma mentioned that a trial ride would be conducted before the formal launch. “Initially, senior officials will be invited to take the elephant safari and share their experiences. This feedback will help us modify and enhance the experience for the general public,” he said.
The elephant safari will be a part of the Mungiakami Elephant Camp in the Khowai district, an area rich in forest cover and home to a diverse wildlife population. The Minister recently visited the Mungiakami camp to review the infrastructure, which includes a newly constructed elephant watch tower that will aid in both tourism and wildlife monitoring.
“The elephant watch tower is now complete, and it provides a strategic vantage point for both elephant watchers and forest officials. Training has also been provided to a significant number of elephant watchers, although some are still awaiting their sessions,” Debbarma noted.
While the safari is set to offer an immersive experience of Tripura’s forest life, the Minister emphasized the importance of safety for both humans and animals. One of the key concerns in the region has been the man-elephant conflict, especially in parts of Khowai district. Incidents of wild elephants straying into human settlements and damaging crops have been a growing concern for both the Forest Department and local residents.
To address this, the department is procuring non-lethal double-barrel guns, which will be used to scare elephants away from populated areas without causing them any harm. “The guns we’re procuring are designed to deter elephants, not injure them. Orders have already been placed, and we expect to deploy them soon,” said Debbarma.
The elephant safari is expected to serve multiple purposes. Apart from promoting eco-tourism, it aims to foster human-animal coexistence, raise awareness about wildlife protection, and offer economic opportunities to the local communities through tourism-related activities.
Experts believe that such initiatives could significantly boost Tripura’s tourism sector, which remains relatively untapped despite the state’s natural beauty. The Forest Department’s move is being seen as a step forward in integrating conservation with responsible tourism.
Minister Debbarma expressed confidence in the success of the initiative and hinted at more eco-tourism projects in the pipeline. “We are working on a model where development, conservation, and tourism can go hand-in-hand. The elephant safari is just the beginning,” he said.
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As Tripura gears up to introduce its first elephant safari, the state sets an example of blending wildlife conservation with tourism. If executed well, the project could not only bring the wilderness closer to the public but also help mitigate ongoing human-elephant conflicts through increased awareness and proactive measures.
