Know about Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that PM Modi recently visited!

The northeastern belt of India is adorned with natural splendour and Kaziranga National Park adds a distinctive touch to that list after it was declared a natural heritage site in the year 1985.

Assam recently garnered attention when the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, visited one of the state's treasures. The PM was seen enjoying an elephant ride at Kaziranga National Park, synonymous with a habitat for various endangered species of animals and birds. Serving as a safe haven for many of these species, it stands as one of the last untouched sanctuaries in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. Kaziranga preserves its natural beauty, remaining one of the last unmodified natural areas in the northeastern region of India and hosting the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Let's delve into this 42,996-hectare natural expanse and explore its potential as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A memorable visit to Kaziranga. I invite people from all over the world to come here. pic.twitter.com/N1yW4XKRyx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2024

The park's landscape is shaped by the ever-changing dynamics of the Brahmaputra River, whose fluctuations give rise to various landscapes such as wet alluvial grasslands, interspersed with verdant patches of deciduous to semi-evergreen woodlands, and punctuated by expansive shallow pools flourishing with reeds. These elements collectively provide a haven for an extraordinary array of wildlife, making Kaziranga one of the most revered wildlife refuges globally.

The Talking Point 

Kaziranga's conservation efforts have played a pivotal role in rescuing the Indian one-horned rhinoceros from the brink of extinction, culminating in the park now hosting the single largest population of this iconic species. With an estimated population of over 2,000 rhinos, the park's significance extends beyond rhino conservation. It boasts one of the highest densities of tigers in the country and has been declared a Kaziranga Tiger Reserve since 2007 to preserve this dwindling species. The park also serves as a sanctuary for other threatened species such as elephants, wild water buffalo, and bears, alongside aquatic marvels like the Ganges River dolphin. In addition to its diverse terrestrial and aquatic inhabitants, Kaziranga is a haven for birdlife, with over 480 species of birds, including both resident and migratory species. Notable bird species found in the park include the great Indian hornbill, Bengal florican, Indian roller, Asian barred owlet, white-winged duck, as well as various species of eagles, herons, storks, and waterfowl.

However, along with the flourishing flora and fauna, every natural habitat comes with uninvited threats. Its proximity to human settlements poses a constant threat from illegal activities such as poaching and encroachment, compounded by the intrusion of domestic animals like buffaloes, leading to hybridization and genetic dilution of native species. Despite these challenges, the park's guardians strive to strike a delicate balance between conservation imperatives and the needs of surrounding communities. Looking ahead, the conservation landscape at Kaziranga demands continued vigilance and innovation, and the Prime Minister’s visit aimed to explore this pristine place while conserving its beauty."