Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park

Perhaps Orang National Park is the only NP in India to be created naturally in an area abandone by human population. Till 1900 the area of 78 sq km was inhabitated by the tribes who due to some epidemic deseases abandoned it. In 1915 the area was declared as a Game Reserve by the British rulers. After witnessing different stages the area was declared in 1999 as National Park.It is the only one horned rhino bearing area on the northern bank of river Brahmaputra. The number of Rhinos are about 65 and Royal Bengal Tiger population is about 28. Six lone elephants deserted by their herds are also taking shelter here.Besides other flaura and faunas, the Park is also significant from the Archaeological view point as some artifacts dating back to 8-10 centuries were recovered inside the Park. A Shiva temple still exists in Old Orang forest beat of the park. In the field of conservation and protection of this Park, at the initiative of the then Divisional Forest Officer, Mangaldai Wild life Division Mr. Chitta Ranjan Bhobora and the members of Green Society the premier NGO on conservation of the wildlife, way back in 2000, as many as 25 hard core rhino poacchers surrendered before the public and since then they are extending all co-opeartion to the Park authorities in conservation matters. Sub Inspectors namely Pradip Bora, Pradip Barua of Assam Police posted in Dalgaon police station and Silbori out post took a key role in containing the increased poaching activities. Similarly, Pallav Bhattacharjee IPS and Munna Prasad Gupta IPS both former Superintendent of Police in Darrang took a laudable initiative to protect the park.