The nature interpretation centre. (Anirban Choudhury)

Alipurduar, May 5: A son et lumière or a sound and light show will complete the makeover that the nature interpretation centre at Rajabhatkhaowa is awaiting.

The centre, which is visited by around 30,000 tourists every year, has many animal parts on display and also a number of photographs that are likely to be replaced with new ones. A marble memorial on Raja, the makna (male elephant without tusks) that died in November last year after it was hit by a speeding train, has also been planned.

“We have already opened a sales counter in front of the centre. Honey made by forest villagers and handicrafts like bags and showpieces are sold here. The other additions will be the light and sound show on animals found in the reserve and the memorial on Raja,” said A.P. Singh, the deputy field director of Buxa Tiger Reserve (west).

The centre is part of the reserve and 18km from here. According to Singh, unlike other dead elephants, Raja’s body has been buried rather than burned.

The story of his death — the collision with a goods train had paralysed his hind legs and left him suffering for 16 hours — would also be inscribed there for visitors to see. The local people had loved Raja for he was very gentle although a wild animal, the official said.

“In the centre we will also display the details of the places to be visited in the reserve,” Singh. Repair of the auditorium has already started and the makeover is likely to be completed in a month or so.