APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 05/10/2026

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (05-10-2026).

“The transition of Orang from an isolated protected area to an integrated Tiger Reserve underscores the evolving paradigm of wildlife management.” Discuss the ecological significance of the Orang–Burhachapori–Kaziranga landscape and analyze the challenges of balancing eco-tourism with conservation in floodplain ecosystems. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Introduction

The recent expansion of Orang National Park by over 200 sq km under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, exemplifies India’s strategic shift from isolated forest preservation to landscape-level ecological connectivity.

Body

1. Ecological Significance of the Orang–Burhachapori–Kaziranga Landscape

Genetic Corridors: The 180-km continuous Brahmaputra riverine corridor facilitates the seamless dispersal and genetic exchange of megafauna like Tigers and Elephants (NTCA Guidelines).
Flagship Species Refuge: It serves as a vital stronghold for the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (housing ~125 rhinos with zero poaching since 2018) and the endangered Gangetic Dolphin.
Floodplain Dynamics: The interwoven grasslands and wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing extreme Brahmaputra floodwaters and maintaining regional hydrological balance (SDG 15 – Life on Land).
Buffer Mechanism: A designated 413 sq km buffer around Orang absorbs peripheral human pressures, protecting the fragile 79 sq km core habitat.

2. Challenges in Balancing Eco-Tourism and Conservation

Institutional Deficits: Around 40% staff vacancies in Orang cripple the dual enforcement of anti-poaching protocols and strict tourism regulation (WII Management Effectiveness Evaluation Report).
Habitat Fragmentation: Unregulated mushrooming of homestays and resorts along the park fringes obstructs natural elephant corridors.
Anthropogenic Disturbance: Excessive vehicular safari traffic, noise, and light pollution disrupt sensitive breeding and feeding zones (e.g., prompting the recent mobile phone ban inside Orang).
Administrative Duality: The lack of unified administrative control over the core and buffer zones complicates the management of human-wildlife conflicts and community eco-tourism sharing.

3. Strategic Way Forward: A Stakeholder-Based Approach

Stakeholder	Strategic Intervention	Example / Best Practice
Forest Dept.	Implement strict Carrying Capacity limits based on seasonal habitat sensitivity.	NITI Aayog eco-tourism guidelines.
Local Community	Institutionalize revenue-sharing models where gate receipts directly fund village development.	Manas Maozigendri community eco-tourism model.
Tourists	Shift from mass tourism to high-value, low-impact, zero-waste ecotourism.	Mandating low-emission safari vehicles.
Government	Bring the entire core-buffer-corridor landscape under a unified Tiger Reserve administration.	Project Tiger unified command structure.

Conclusion

Integrating scientifically capped, community-led ecotourism with robust landscape connectivity will ensure Orang remains a resilient biodiversity stronghold, harmonizing SDG 8 (Economic Growth) with SDG 15 (Life on Land).

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