Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary coupled with Mahasadak can open Eco-Tourism avenues but animals need to be reintroduced first

In a crucial development for Barak Valley and its wildlife, it has been notified that, “the Governor of Assam is pleased to declare its intention to constitute the area described in the Schedule annexed hereto as to the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary.” The Governor of Assam has, on July 19 declared intention to constitute 320 sq km of area under Moinerkhal range of Cachar forest division as Barak Bhuban Wildlife sanctuary.

This will be second wildlife sanctuary in Barak Valley after Borail Wildlife sanctuary, which is jointly shared by Cachar and Dima Hasao districts.

Ecstatic P. Shivkumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Cachar Forest Division opined that it is a good initiative for Barak valley. “Assam is known for national parks and wildlife sanctuary but maximum of them are in Brahmaputra valley. This will definitely be a good move where apart from protecting the wildlife, we will also be able to boost eco-tourism,” P. Shivkumar said.

The proposed Sanctuary area is a biodiversity rich both in terms of fauna and flora. The area is home to numerous endemic species. King Cobra, Gorals and Himalayan Serow are some species among many.

“While preparing the proposal, the forest officials requested us for extending the necessary help to Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury, notable naturalist, and the former Commissioner, Barak Valley Division. Being son of the soil, and having common field of interest on wildlife, both of us have given academic inputs, guidance, and suggestions,” said Dr. Parthankar Choudhury, Professor, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar. “Besides, one scholar (Amir Sohail Choudhury) from the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science has helped in preparation of GIS maps of the sanctuary,” he added.

“It’s a joyous moment for the entire valley, but the actual credit for this can only be accorded, if the animals that have faced localized extinction, are being successfully reintroduced here. To name a few of them are Rhinos, Tigers, Asian Wild Water buffalo, Gaur (Indian bison), Swamp Deer and many of the likes” Professor Choudhury asserted.

Explaining the possibilities of tourism, CCF P Shivkumar said that tourists coming to Meghalaya would no more need to move back from Shillong as they can now witness the rich biodiversity of Barak Valley before heading to Kaziranga and other Assam Eco hotspots.

“People starting from Guwahati can come to Shillong and then visit Barak Bhuban Sanctuary. We will also be getting 4 lane roadways connecting Silchar with Nagaon. So they can take this route thereafter to visit upper Assam region” he said.

Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury (former commissioner, Barak valley) was the first to press for this Wildlife Sanctuary. Choudhury on Friday expressed pleasure after getting the news and mentioned that it will be the first sanctuary in Assam where there will be 8 species of monkeys.

“It was declared as Barak reserve forest much earlier as it is very rich in wildlife and medicinal plants” Dr. Choudhury said adding that many species of birds and sheep are found here apart from many gone missing.

“There is already religious tourism in the hill and developing it as Sanctuary will also invite eco tourism. Not only local or national but international tourists will also get attracted here” Dr. Choudhury mentioned.