Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Reopens for 2025-26 Tourist Season

By JAGAT SINGH [29/Oct/2025] Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Assam’s most visited and ecologically significant destinations, has officially reopened for the 2025-26 tourist season after being closed during the monsoon. Established in 1998, the sanctuary is located in the Morigaon district, around 50 km from Guwahati. It is famous for housing the world’s highest density of the Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros, making it a key attraction for both domestic and international tourists. Spread over approximately 38.8 sq. km, Pobitora includes about 16 square kilometres of rhino-bearing grassland. According to the 2022 rhino census, the sanctuary is home to around 107 rhinos, with an average density of six to seven per square kilometre. This reflects the success of ongoing conservation efforts by the forest department and local communities.

The new tourist season was inaugurated on Thursday by Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, who officially declared the sanctuary open to visitors, including for gypsy (jeep) safaris. Senior forest officials such as Vinay Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Anurag Singh, Additional PCCF, and several other senior officers were present during the event. The traditional King of Mayong, Tarani Singha, attended the ceremony as a distinguished guest. During his address, Minister Patowary highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening both wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. He announced that the state government is considering an expansion of Pobitora’s area due to the steady increase in the rhino population and other wildlife species. He appealed to around 10,000 families from nearby villages to actively participate in protecting the sanctuary’s growing wildlife population. “We need the support of local people to make this expansion plan a reality,” he stated.

Patowary also expressed optimism about a higher inflow of tourists this season. “Like last year, we hope the number of visitors will increase. Tourist bookings in Kaziranga are already going strong, and we are planning to add more facilities in Pobitora to meet the rising demand,” he said. Following the inauguration, the Minister interacted with local communities and Eco Development Committees, discussing various community development initiatives under the forest department. These initiatives aim to strengthen cooperation between forest authorities and villagers in promoting sustainable tourism and wildlife protection.

Pranjal Baruah, the Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, informed that over 10 kilometres of internal roads and tourist routes have been repaired and made accessible for jeep safaris this year. He assured that all necessary arrangements have been completed to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and convenience. “We have taken steps to maintain ecological balance and minimise disturbances to wildlife. Visitors are requested to follow the prescribed guidelines and contribute to the conservation of Pobitora’s natural heritage,” Baruah added. The reopening ceremony also featured traditional rituals such as lighting lamps and breaking coconuts, symbolising the official beginning of the tourist season. The event was attended by officials from various local organisations, forest officers, and representatives from Mayong and Morigaon districts.

Known as the “Mini Kaziranga of Assam,” Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic one-horned rhino in its natural habitat, along with several other species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The combination of open grasslands, wetlands, and forest patches makes it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

With the new season now open, Pobitora once again invites visitors to experience Assam’s remarkable biodiversity and conservation success. The government’s renewed focus on eco-tourism and local participation is expected to further enhance the sanctuary’s reputation as one of India’s leading wildlife destinations while ensuring that its delicate ecosystem remains protected for generations to come.