Regional Analysis

Manas National Park

Manas known for its Project Tigers, Rhinos & Elephants, and is Assam's one of the two Tiger projects. The scenic beauty and rare wealth of wild life combine with this unique world heritage site to offer has one of the most enthralling experiences. The reserves are categorized to Biosphere Reserve, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve.

Due to the heavy rains and flooding, Manas NP is also closed for 6 months like Kaziranga.

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:

* The team would visit Manas NP in February, and the proposals may be revised.

Product planning

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  Picnic spot at Bispani
  

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  Interpretation center at Bansbari
  

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  The energy cycle
  
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  The food chain
  
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  Biodiversity -- its significance and need for conservation
  
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  The Bhabar and Terai tracts
  
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  Project Tiger & Tiger Reserves
  
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  Plant world with special reference to the plants of the Park
  
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  Significance of Snags etc.
  
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  The role of bacteria, fungi and other organisms in natural cycle.
  
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  The cultural history of the Region
  
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  The Bodos.
  
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  Sounds of the forest and their interpretation.
  
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  The man – animal interface.
  
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  Display of contributions from visitors / children.
  

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  Purchase of battery operated mini coaches for wildlife viewing- 4 in Phase I, 6 in Phase II
  
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  6 more inflated rubber boats with safety gear
  
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  Renovation and upgradation of Bungalow at Mathanguri:
  

Renovation of Bungalows, cottages with addition of 6 more cottages. This may be operated similar to the Jungle Lodges concept of Karnataka

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  Additional tourism activities in the fringe areas, subject to safety and security.
  
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  Trekking, eco activities- gear and equipments, including binoculars for bird watching, trekking gear, angling gear etc- these can be handled by local community and given on hire
  
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  Theatre Tribal Handicraft Centre
  

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  Sensitisation of Tourists & Environmental Awareness: A 5-minute awareness audio visual training will be conducted compulsory to all the visitors to the various ranges of the Kaziranga National Park at the entry point where tickets/ permissions are taken. The objectives of this training will be two fold. One will be to create awareness about the wildlife, biodiversity and the spatial spread of NP. The second objective is to make the tourists aware of their responsibilities towards protection of the area and waste restrictions.
  
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  Sensitisation of Other Stakeholders: It is also important to sensitise other Stakeholders like Vehicle owners, Resort Owners every month during the season through audio visual means.
  
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  Generate awareness among the local villagers: Highlight the ecological and economic benefits of conservation of rare and endangered species and other ecologically and economically important plant resources and animal population. There are lot of local conflicts and security perception issues- local villagers should be made aware of benefits and invited to be part of development process.
  
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  Awareness to local villages of potential of Tourism to the local economy and need to have safe environment to facilitate the same.
  
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  Patrolling Augmentation:
  

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  Better patrolling and communication equipments – separate during normal Park’ open times and specialised during flooding.
  

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  Strict watch and ward involving local youths in the patrolling duties in non-core zones
  
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  The “Friends of Manas NP” programme can keep a computerised database of all those who visit Manas NP after a compulsory Nature Interpretation Program. Later on a regular basis it can update them on newer happenings in the NP, newer species of flora and fauna if sighted, favourable climate, pictures of beautiful landscape, conservation issues, contributors to conservation, facts on monthly & total visitors, visitors who were recognised as “eco-tourists” due to their contribution every year on web.
  
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  Self-Help Tourism Scheme can be initiated by the villagers and gram panchayat where in the unemployed youths provide services such as guide sell handicraft and earn living. These groups can be organized at the village level by the Panchayats and local NGO’s.
  
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  Nature awareness camps and programs for school children: Nature camps would be organized for school children.
  
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  Research and Monitoring including ICT techniques, scientific studies, Baseline surveys, resource inventory and modern census works, listing and mapping, Satellite based studies etc
  

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  Availability of publicity materials- including self explanatory map and details of the NP.
  

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  Strengthening of access road to Park: Barpeta Raod- Bansbari road.
  
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  Improvement of Sorbhog airport
  

The costs for the proposed development for the Manas National Park area development and the proposed phase of development are as follows:

10. 
    Costs and Phasing: Manas National Park Area Development