Dibrugarh, June 15: In a major boost to wildlife conservation and tourism in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that a new zoo will be established in Dibrugarh—making it the state’s third zoo.
The Chief Minister earlier had talked about a zoo in Silchar too. Assam already has a zoo in Guwahati which was set up in 1957.
The Silchar and Dibrugarh zoo would be “open-air” zoos. A sum of Rs 259 crore and Rs 214 crore have been earmarked for Dibrugarh and Silchar zoos.
Sarma said the government has already initiated the process for setting up the zoo, which is proposed to come up in the Tingkhong constituency. The facility will feature dedicated enclosures for herbivores, carnivores, and birds in expansive, naturalistic habitats.
The zoo is envisioned as a multi-model project that will include safaris, a rescue centre, and vibrant circulatory paths to enhance visitor experience. Officials said it will not only serve as a centre for wildlife education and recreation but also contribute to conservation efforts and eco-tourism in the region.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone and performed the bhumi pujan for a ₹25-crore Centralised Community Kitchen at Dihing Khamti Playground. Funded under the PM POSHAN scheme, the facility will provide nutritious midday meals to schoolchildren under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, in partnership with the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
The kitchen is expected to benefit thousands of students in nearby schools while creating local employment, promoting hygiene and nutrition, and addressing child malnutrition.
Sarma also attended a district-level awareness programme at the Sri Sri Auniati Sakha Satra Auditorium, held under the nationwide Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan. Organised by the District Administration and the Department of Tribal Affairs (Plain), the event aimed to ensure benefit saturation among tribal communities through effective implementation of government welfare schemes.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, state ministers Dr Ranoj Pegu, Bimal Borah, Prashanta Phukan, and Jogen Mohan, along with MLAs Chakradhar Gogoi, Binod Hazarika, Taranga Gogoi, and ASTDC Chairman Rituparna Baruah were present at the programme.
