The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest is all set to celebrate Gaj Utsav 2023 at the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. This two-day festival is scheduled to take place on April 7 and 8, 2023, to celebrate the successful completion of 30 years of Project Elephant and provide a much-needed boost to conservation efforts.
Promoting Elephant Conservation and Preventing Human-Elephant Conflict
The primary aim of this event is to promote elephant conservation and prevent human-elephant conflict. The festival also seeks to protect the elephants’ corridors and habitat, which is crucial for their survival.
Hon. President Draupadi Murmu to Inaugurate the Festival
The festival will be inaugurated by Hon. President Draupadi Murmu on April 7, which makes the event significant as Kaziranga National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is also home to the world’s highest density of tigers.
Project Elephant – A Step Towards Conservation
Project Elephant was initiated by the Indian Government in 1991-1992 to conserve elephants, their migration routes, and their habitat. The project’s success is evident from the fact that Assam has the second-largest population of wild elephants in the country, along with a large number of elephants that are under human care.
Kaziranga – The Perfect Venue for Gaj Utsav 2023
Assam was chosen to celebrate Gaj Utsav 2023 as it has a large number of elephants, both in the wild and under human care. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is an ideal venue for the festival as it is home to a significant population of elephants and is renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros.
Safaris Closed for Tourists
As a result of this event, jeep, and elephant safaris at the Kaziranga National Park will remain suspended for two days, affecting tourists who plan to visit the park during this period. The safaris will remain closed in all the ranges of the national park, including Kohora, Bagori, Burapahar, and Agoratoli. The President is scheduled to arrive at the park and attend the festival on both days.
Conclusion
The Gaj Utsav 2023 at Kaziranga National Park in Assam is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the success of Project Elephant and raise awareness about elephant conservation. This event is crucial in preventing human-elephant conflict and protecting their habitat, which is necessary for their survival. It is a significant step towards promoting responsible tourism and safeguarding the natural heritage of the country.
Further Reading:
- Dehing Patkai Festival Assam: A Taste of Assamese Culture
- Top 11 Honeymoon Places in Assam
- Assam 7 Famous Historical Destinations
- Bundi Utsav Festival 2024: Dates, Locations and full guide
- Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Utsav 2021 begin on December 22
- Kutch Rann Utsav Festival Gujarat 2024 – 2025: Dates, Attractions and Guide
- 10 Most Famous Temples in Kumarakom
