HT Digital,
Gueahati, 18 Oct: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve’s Agoratoli Range officially reopened for the 2025–26 tourist season on Saturday, drawing excitement among visitors and conservationists. The ceremony was inaugurated by Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora and local MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, who flagged off the first safari of the new season.
Adding a sustainable twist to the event, a unique community-based project was launched at the Agoratoli Community Hall. A Meteka loom—named after the local term for water hyacinth—was inaugurated in the presence of Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) from Agoratoli, Dhuba ati Beloguri, Kandhulimari, and Tamulipathar. The initiative aims to empower local communities while combating the environmental impact of invasive water hyacinth in Kaziranga’s wetlands.
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Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, said the loom will help produce over 100 varieties of eco-friendly handicrafts using water hyacinth. “The weed has become a serious ecological concern, blocking waterways, reducing oxygen levels, and affecting fish habitats. Through this initiative, we’re turning a problem into a livelihood opportunity,” she said.
The project encourages EDCs to adopt conservation-led entrepreneurship by transforming the invasive plant into handicrafts and handmade paper. Dr. Ghosh noted that this approach supports wetland restoration and strengthens community resilience. “Kaziranga continues to blend conservation with sustainable development, inviting visitors to experience not just wildlife, but also the power of nature-positive innovation,” she added.
