SIKHNA JWHWLAO NATIONAL PARK

PRERNA FOR IAS

SIKHNA JWHWLAO NATIONAL PARK

(GEOGRAPHY)

1. Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park (Introduction)

Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park is Assam's 8th National Park and the 3rd National Park within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), after Manas and Raimona. Officially notified in March 2025, the park strengthens India's protected area network and safeguards critical biodiversity in western Assam. Located along the Indo-Bhutan border, it serves as an important ecological corridor connecting wildlife habitats across international boundaries. The park is named after Sikhna Jwhwlao, a respected Bodo warrior and leader. Its establishment reflects the growing commitment of the government and local communities toward wildlife conservation, ecological security, and sustainable environmental management.

2. Administrative and Spatial Profile

Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park covers approximately 316.29 square kilometers across Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of Assam. The Assam Cabinet approved the park on 16 February 2025, and it was officially notified on 5 March 2025 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The park includes areas within the Kokrajhar and Kajalgaon subdivisions and falls under the Haltugaon and Chirang Forest Divisions. Its strategic location enhances conservation efforts in the Bodoland region. The protected area provides secure habitats for wildlife while contributing to ecological balance, biodiversity preservatio