Guwahati, Oct 18: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve’s Agoratoli Range has officially reopened for the 2025-26 tourist season, marking a new chapter in conservation and community empowerment. The inauguration ceremony, led by Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora and local MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, flagged off the first official safari of the season.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of a community-based initiative, inaugurating a Meteka loom at the Agoratoli Community Hall. The project enables the production of over 100 varieties of eco-friendly handicrafts using invasive water hyacinth, locally known as Meteka, addressing environmental concerns and empowering local communities.

“The program exemplifies Kaziranga’s commitment to converting ecological challenges into sustainable development opportunities,” said Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. The initiative is expected to strengthen community resilience and wetland restoration, welcoming visitors to Agoratoli this season.