A CORRESPONDENT
DIBRUGARH: As the world marks World Environment Day with renewed commitments to biodiversity conservation, a stark reminder of environmental neglect lies just 12 km from Dibrugarh city. The Jokai Botanical Garden & Eco Tourism Park, once envisioned as a showcase of Assam’s rich flora, has become a symbol of institutional failure and administrative apathy.
Situated along the Mancotta-Khamtighat road within the protected Jokai Reserve Forest, this 12-hectare botanical garden was designed to serve as both a conservation centre and tourist destination. The facility houses a sophisticated germplasm storage centre, preserving rare plant species native to the northeastern region and showcasing the area’s remarkable biodiversity.
The garden’s original design reflects ambitious conservation goals, with specialized zones dedicated to medicinal and aromatic plants, an orchid house, and rainforest specimens. Each section was intended to display the region’s botanical wealth while maintaining genetic material for future research and conservation efforts.
The surrounding Jokai Reserve Forest represents a biological treasure trove, home to endangered species including leopards, black panthers, civets, and flying squirrels. The ecosystem also supports diverse butterfly populations and numerous fish species, making it a critical habitat for regional wildlife conservation.
However, years of neglect have transformed this ecological jewel into an abandoned wasteland. The forest department’s decision in 2018 to employ local women as caretakers appeared promising, but the arrangement has proven unsustainable. These dedicated workers, who could have been instrumental in the garden’s revival, remain unpaid for their services, which is a glaring example of governmental mismanagement.
The consequences of this neglect are immediately visible to any visitor. The entrance gate remains locked for extended periods, forcing disappointed tourists to return without experiencing the garden’s intended educational and recreational offerings.
Jungle vegetation has reclaimed carefully planned spaces, with creepers and shrubs overtaking walkways and display areas. This deterioration signifies the loss of invaluable scientific resources.
The germplasm collection, containing genetic material from rare and potentially endangered plant species, requires constant maintenance and proper storage conditions. Without adequate care, years of conservation work risk being permanently lost.
Local environmental activists have repeatedly highlighted the garden’s potential. With proper funding and management, the facility could serve as an educational centre for students, a research hub for botanists, and an eco-tourism destination generating revenue for local communities.
As World Environment Day focuses global attention on conservation challenges, the Jokai Botanical Garden stands as an example of broader environmental policy failures. The facility’s revival would require coordinated efforts between state authorities, environmental organizations, and local communities.
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