New Delhi: In a major boost to Assam’s eco-tourism and cultural landscape, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday inaugurated the Kaziranga Orchid Garden at Kohora in Golaghat district.
Spread across 20 bighas, the garden features more than 900 indigenous and exotic orchid species. These are housed in seven modern glass houses. The facility also includes a children’s park, a 500-seat cultural stage, food outlets, and educational display sections.
The project has been developed at Rs 16 crore. It aims to promote conservation, research, and local employment opportunities near the UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park, which has drawn nearly 100,000 visitors this season.
In a post on X, the CM said: “Unlike the Cong Govt, we don’t just promise, we deliver. In 2021, I mentioned our plans to set up an Orchid Park in Kaziranga. Today, in 2026, I am glad to have inaugurated this park, which will house over 1,600 varieties of orchids and will be a major tourist attraction.”
Currently, the garden showcases over 900 orchid species. The CM highlighted that it has the potential to expand to 1,600 varieties in the future. He said the initiative would encourage tourists to extend their stay beyond wildlife safaris, thereby supporting the local economy.
Free entry has been announced for schoolchildren and visitors below the age of 12.
A key highlight of the inauguration was the launch of a new hybrid orchid named “Seujia Kaziranga.” The variety has been developed by renowned orchid expert Dr. Mohan Pradhan of Sikkim after eight years of dedicated work.
The launch of the Kaziranga Orchid Garden marks a significant addition to Assam’s tourism infrastructure. Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen eco-tourism, promote biodiversity awareness, and create new livelihood opportunities in the region.
