Sikhna Jwhwlao Named Assam’s 8th National Park

The Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve in Assam has been notified as 8th National Park in the state and will now be known as Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park. This addition further strengthens Assam’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

About Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park

• The Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve, now renamed Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, is the 8th national park in Assam.
• It is the 3rd national park in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), following Manas and Raimona National Parks.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

• Named after Sikhna Jwhwlao (also known as Jaolia Dewan), a legendary Bodo hero who fought during the Duwar War (1864-66) between Bhutan and the East India Company.
• The area, historically known as Sikhnajhar (earlier capital of Sikhna Jwhwlao), was located at Ultapani Reserve Forest, now part of national park. It remains a sacred site where Bodo people perform the Bhathau Kherai puja every year.

Geographical Context and Location:

• The 316 sq. km park is situated between Raimona and Manas National Parks in the Kokrajhar and Chirang districts along the India-Bhutan border.
• Proximity: Approximately 222 km from Guwahati, 45 km from Bongaigaon, and 40 km from Kokrajhar, (Capital of Bodoland Territorial Region – BTR).
• The park forms part of a contiguous habitat, bordered by the Buxa Tiger Reserve (Eastern Dooars Elephant Reserve in West Bengal) and Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan.

Ecological Significance:

• The area is recognized for its rich biodiversity and is a designated MIKE Site (Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants), covering about 2,600 sq. km.
• Flora and Fauna: Home to diverse wildlife including the golden langur (the mascot of BTR), Asian elephants, one-horned rhinos, and Royal Bengal tigers, along with a variety of birds, reptiles, and other fauna.

Significance for Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR):

Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park is the third national park in BTR, after: Manas National Park and Raimona National Park

Formed by merging: Haltugaon Forest Division, Jharbari Forest Range (Kokrajhar District) and Runikhata Range (Chirang District)

Existing National Parks in Assam

1. Kaziranga National Park
2. Manas National Park
3. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
4. Nameri National Park
5. Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve (ONPTR)
6. Dehing Patkai National Park
7. Raimona National Park
8. Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park (Latest Addition)