Kaziranga National Park is considering a series of new visitor management measures aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation and promoting sustainable tourism. The proposed changes include a possible ban on mobile phones inside the park, making online safari bookings compulsory and introducing one weekly closure day for visitors.
The Assam Forest Department is currently reviewing the proposals as part of an effort to update visitor regulations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's important tiger habitats. The measures are also being considered in the context of the Supreme Court's directions issued on November 17, 2025, concerning visitor management and conservation practices in tiger reserves across the country.
The proposed restrictions are intended to reduce human disturbance inside the protected area while ensuring that tourism remains compatible with wildlife conservation. Kaziranga is home to important wildlife species, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger, making the management of tourist activities an important part of conservation efforts.
Officials involved in the discussions said the review was initiated following directions from the state's Forest Minister. The department is examining different ways to improve eco-tourism practices while ensuring compliance with the conservation guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court.
Under the proposals being examined, tourists may be prohibited from carrying mobile phones while visiting the park. Online safari booking could also become mandatory for all visitors, potentially allowing authorities to manage tourist numbers and visitor movement more efficiently. Another proposal under consideration is keeping the park closed to visitors for one day every week.
However, no final decision has been taken on any of the proposed measures. The Forest Department is consulting various stakeholders before deciding on the new visitor regulations. Local communities, tour operators, conservation experts and other stakeholders are being invited to provide suggestions and feedback as part of the review process.
The department's approach is aimed at finding a balance between tourism and conservation. While Kaziranga attracts visitors and contributes to eco-tourism, authorities are also seeking to ensure that increased tourist activity does not adversely affect the park's ecological environment.
If implemented, the proposed measures would represent a significant change in the way visitors access and experience Kaziranga. However, the final rules will depend on the outcome of the ongoing consultations and the government's assessment of how the proposed measures can be implemented effectively while protecting the park's wildlife and natural environment.
