The issue of large-scale encroachment in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve has come under renewed focus after concerns were raised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the IUCN regarding habitat degradation inside the protected area.

What is the Issue?

Official records indicate that around 36.79 square kilometres of protected forest land within the Manas landscape remain under encroachment.

• Illegal settlements and cultivation have been reported mainly in the Bhuyanpara, Panbari and Agrang ranges.
• The Kokilabari Seed Farm, covering about 9.3 square kilometres, remains under occupation despite being part of the core critical tiger habitat of the reserve.
• The area is also an important habitat for the endangered Bengal Florican, one of the world’s rarest bustard species.

Why is Encroachment a Concern?

• Encroachment leads to habitat fragmentation, reducing the movement and breeding space available to wildlife.
• It increases human-wildlife conflict and weakens ecosystem resilience.
• It threatens conservation gains achieved after Manas recovered from decades of insurgency-related disturbances.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature World Heritage Outlook Report 2025 placed Manas under “Significant Concern” due to habitat degradation, illegal cultivation and infrastructure pressures.

About Manas National Park

• • Manas National Park is located in Baksa and Chirang districts of Assam along the foothills of the Himalayas.
  • It shares an international boundary with Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, forming an important transboundary conservation landscape.

• Park Ranges:

• • Panbari Range (Western)
  • Bansbari Range (Central)
  • Bhuyanpara Range (Eastern)
  • Kuklung Range (1st Addition)

Major River System

• Named after the Manas River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra.
• Important rivers include Manas, Beki, Aie, Pagladia, Hakua, Bigoni and Mora Manas.
• Represents the Bhabar–Terai ecosystem, consisting of grasslands, riverine forests and moist deciduous forests.

Important Timeline

• • Wildlife Sanctuary: 1928
  • Project Tiger Reserve: 1973 (among the first tiger reserves in India)
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1985
  • National Park Status: 1990
  • Elephant Reserve: 2003, part of the Chirang–Ripu Elephant Reserve

• Biosphere Reserve: 1989

• • Manas Biosphere Reserve extends over an area of 2837 km2 from Sankosh river in the west to Dhansiri river in the east, with a core area of 500 km2 of the National park.
• Recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).

Major Fauna

Manas is famous for housing several rare and endangered species:

• Royal Bengal Tiger
• Indian Elephant
• Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros
• Wild Water Buffalo
• Swamp Deer
• Golden Langur (endemic)
• Pygmy Hog (world’s rarest wild pig)
• Hispid Hare
• Bengal Florican (critically endangered bird)

Special Significance

• It is part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.
• It contains the world’s largest population of Bengal Florican.
• It is one of the last strongholds of the Pygmy Hog and Golden Langur.
• The park was placed on UNESCO’s “World Heritage in Danger” List in 1992 due to insurgency and poaching, but was removed in 2011 after successful conservation efforts.

Way Forward

• Encroached areas must be restored through scientific habitat recovery and community participation.
• Greater coordination is required among forest authorities, district administrations and local governing institutions.
• Sustainable livelihood alternatives can reduce pressure on protected forests.
• Strong enforcement of conservation laws is essential to protect critical wildlife habitats.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Manas National Park:

1. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. It is designated as both a Tiger Reserve and an Elephant Reserve.
3. It is located in Barpeta district.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-Line Wrap

The growing encroachment in Manas National Park highlights the challenge of balancing human needs with the long-term conservation of one of India’s most important biodiversity landscapes.