Guwahati: The Assam government cleared a 534 crore Wildlife Safari and Rescue Centre for the Namdang Reserve Forest in Dibrugarh. This massive facility will cover 235 hectares in the Tingkhong constituency. State ministers Jayanta Malla Baruah and Bimal Bora recently vetted the plans with Forest Department officials.
Construction happens in two phases via the Assam Public Works Department. Phase one costs 259 crore. It builds enclosures for tigers, rhinos, leopards, and bears. This stage also adds a veterinary hospital and a rescue center.
Phase two follows with a 275 crore budget. Plans include bringing in exotic species like Asiatic lions, cheetahs, zebras, and hippos. A research center will also go up during this second phase. Project advocates believe the site will transform the local economy. It aims to generate jobs for youth and push eco-tourism in Upper Assam.
Residents are backing the move. They credit Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Jayanta Malla Baruah, and Bimal Bora for the progress. One local stated the project is expected to "transform the region into an important tourism destination." People in Tingkhong are now waiting for the shovels to hit the dirt.
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