Over 110 youths trained as nature guides at Manas landscape

GUWAHATI, October 30, 2026 — More than 110 youths from villages and neighbouring areas of Manas National Park participated in a two-day nature guide training programme organised jointly by the Manas Tiger Reserve (MTR) Authority and Aaranyak at Bansbari Range on October 27 and 28.

The programme provided participants an opportunity to interact with conservation experts and learn about nature guide skills and responsible eco-tourism.

Dr Sonali Ghosh, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Chief Head of Department (BTC Forests) and Field Director of Manas Tiger Reserve, expressed confidence that the training would make a meaningful contribution to the Manas landscape. During an interactive session, she encouraged participants to gain further field experience to become skilled and effective nature guides.

Supported by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), the initiative aimed to strengthen conservation efforts in Manas National Park while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local youth.

The training sessions were conducted by experts from Aaranyak, WWF, Wildlife Trust of India, Smiling Tusker, the Guide Association of Manas and Manas Tiger Reserve. The resource persons included Dr Deba Kumar Dutta, Dr Dipankar Lahkar, Arif Hussain, Jayanta Kumar Pathak, Sunit Kumar Das, Sanatan Deka and Nayan Jyoti Das, among others.

The programme was coordinated by Jyotishman Deka of Manas Tiger Reserve and Jayanta Kumar Pathak of Aaranyak, with support from officials and team members of the two organisations.