Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Morigaon district, has witnessed a remarkable increase in tourist footfall and revenue during the 2024–25 season, underscoring its rising appeal among nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Renowned for hosting the highest density of one-horned rhinoceroses in India, Pobitora attracted nearly 35,000 visitors this season, which included about 650 international tourists. The sanctuary generated revenue of Rs 62 lakh, a notable rise compared to previous years.

The current tourist season commenced on October 15, 2024, and will conclude on May 31, 2025. During this period, the sanctuary saw approximately 5,000 more visitors than the previous year, alongside an Rs 8 lakh increase in revenue. Officials credited this growth primarily to the improved infrastructure within the sanctuary. Key enhancements such as repairs to internal roads have significantly elevated the overall visitor experience, making access and exploration easier and more comfortable.

While Pobitora is famed for its rhino population, conservation efforts in Assam are also being directed toward other critical environmental challenges. One of the major concerns is human-elephant conflict, particularly in the Udalguri district. Addressing this, Aaranyak, a prominent conservation NGO, has launched a large-scale plantation campaign aimed at mitigating this conflict and restoring degraded forest areas.

Supported by the SBI Foundation and carried out in coordination with the Dhansiri-Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee, this initiative targets the Bhairabkunda Reserve Forest situated along the Indo-Bhutan border. The project plans to restore 100 hectares of degraded forest by planting one lakh native saplings. This restoration effort seeks to create ecological corridors for elephants, facilitating their natural movement and reducing their incursion into human habitations, which is a significant factor in the conflict.

The plantation drive, now in its third year, enjoys active support from forest officials, local NGOs, and community committees. The latest campaign day saw the successful planting of 510 saplings from 11 indigenous species. This effort is not only helping to regenerate the forest but also fostering coexistence between local communities and wildlife by promoting sustainable habitat development.

Together, these initiatives reflect Assam’s multifaceted approach to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary continues to attract tourists by offering an opportunity to witness one of India’s most iconic species in a well-maintained habitat, while collaborative conservation projects in areas like Udalguri work on reducing human-wildlife conflicts and restoring ecological balance.

The increased tourist influx at Pobitora also positively impacts the local economy, generating employment and encouraging sustainable tourism practices. Meanwhile, the plantation and corridor restoration projects enhance biodiversity, support wildlife populations, and contribute to long-term environmental stability.

Overall, Assam’s efforts to boost tourism at key wildlife sanctuaries and address environmental challenges through community-involved conservation highlight the state’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. These combined endeavors serve as a model for balancing ecological conservation with economic development, ensuring that both wildlife and human communities can thrive in harmony.