Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 9 urged the people of the country to experience the “unparalleled beauty” of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve after undertaking elephant-back and jeep safaris.
He also interacted with Van Durga, the team of women forest guards, and lauded their “inspiring” dedication and courage in safeguarding the home of the largest population of one-horned rhinos on earth.
Taking to X, the Prime Minister shared glimpses of him feeding sugarcane to three domesticated elephants engaged by the Forest Department at the park.
“This morning, I was at the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this UNESCO World Heritage site is blessed with diverse flora and fauna including the majestic one-horned rhinoceros,” he wrote.
He first undertook the elephant safari in Mihimukh area of the central Kohora range of the park.
Mr. Modi, donning jungle fatigue, a jacket and a hat, rode an elephant named ‘Pradyumna’ whose mahout was Raju, and passed through the safari route of Dagland and Foliomari area, the official said.
He was followed by a convoy of 16 elephants. During the tour, he fed sugarcane to three elephants.
“Feeding sugarcane to Lakhimai, Pradyumna, and Phoolmai. Kaziranga is known for the rhinos but there are also a large number of elephants there, along with several other species,” he wrote in another post.
“I would urge you all to visit Kaziranga National Park and experience the unparalleled beauty of its landscapes and the warmth of the people of Assam. It’s a place where every visit enriches the soul and connects you deeply with the heart of Assam,” Mr. Modi said.
Appreciating the Prime Minister for showering praises on the national park, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said: “Indeed, Kaziranga is not just home to the rhinos but a rich habitat of elephants, tigers, over 600+ species of birds, deer, Gangetic dolphins and much more.”
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During the tour of Kaziranga, PM Modi took several pictures of the forest and wildlife.
The PM was accompanied by Kaziranga National Park Director Sonali Ghosh. Other senior forest officials and security personnel were also present there.
The jeep and elephant safaris in the central Kohora range remained closed for tourists since March 7 in view of the security arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit.
The jungle safari in the forest range for visitors will reopen on March 10.
The Prime Minister had arrived at Kaziranga on Friday evening on a two-day visit to the State.
He is also scheduled to inaugurate the 125-ft high ‘Statue of Valour’ of legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan at Jorhat in the afternoon.
Mr. Modi will then go to Meleng Meteli Pothar where he will inaugurate or lay the foundation stone for central and State projects worth around ₹18,000 crore.
(With PTI inputs)
Published - March 09, 2024 07:46 am IST
