# India, Bhutan need joint rhino plan as Manas rhinos cross border

2026-09-23T05:56:22+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

On World Rhino Day, Assam reported 3,260 greater one-horned rhinos, nearly 80% of the global population of 4,075, with zero known poaching incidents in 2025. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah highlighted the state's conservation gains, including the comeback of rhinos in Manas National Park after they were wiped out by 1993. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the efforts and announced Project Rhino for financial and technical support to range states. The Hindu reports that Manas National Park now has about 50 rhinos after a reintroduction programme begun in 2006, but some are frequently crossing into Bhutan. Scientist Deba Kumar Dutta called for a joint conservation mechanism with Bhutan. Forest officials agreed on the need for bilateral and people-to-people transboundary efforts. The park recorded three consecutive years of zero poaching. The World Rhino Day theme for 2026 is 'Keep the Five Alive', covering the five remaining rhino species.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The three sources converge on rhino conservation success but differ in framing. The Hindu leads with the cross-border challenge from Manas National Park, quoting a scientist who calls for a joint mechanism with Bhutan. The Assam Tribune leads with the state government's zero-poaching record and 3,260 rhino count, quoting Chief Minister Sarma and Forest Minister Mallabaruah. Greater Kashmir leads with Prime Minister Modi's praise and Project Rhino. The critical framing in The Hindu foregrounds an unresolved problem, the pro-government pieces foreground achievement. Neither overstates incomplete aspects: the reintroduction remains fragile. A balanced reading notes that Assam's zero-poaching claim for 2025 and Manas's three years without poaching coexist with a growing rhino population crossing an unmanaged international border. The next policy step is whether India and Bhutan formalise a joint conservation mechanism for the Manas landscape.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com (government critical) <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/world-rhino-day-focus-on-india-bhutan-joint-conservation/article71496029.ece>
  Leads with cross-border rhino movement and call for Bhutan joint mechanism
- assamtribune.com (pro government) <https://assamtribune.com/assam/zero-poaching-3260-rhinos-assam-govt-highlights-conservation-gains-on-rhino-day-1618166>
  Leads with Assam government's zero-poaching record and rhino count
- greaterkashmir.com (pro government) <https://www.greaterkashmir.com/national/pm-modi-lauds-rhino-conservation-efforts-on-world-rhino-day-12566194>
  Leads with PM Modi's praise and Project Rhino announcement

Tags: Assam, Bhutan, greater one-horned rhinoceros, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Manas National Park, Narendra Modi
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