Assam Government Proposes Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Kaziranga National Park

The Assam government has proposed the establishment of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park, which has led to legal challenges regarding the extent of this zone. The proposal aims to address ecological concerns while undergoing a thorough review process involving expert consultations and public hearings. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the complexities surrounding wildlife conservation and environmental protection in the region. As the case progresses, stakeholders are keenly observing the developments, particularly regarding the potential reduction of the protective zone from 10 km to a much smaller area. The next hearing is set for October 6, 2026, as the petitioner seeks to respond to the government's objections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 24, 2026, 10:40 IST

Kaziranga National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone Proposal

File image of Kaziranga National Park. (AT Photo)

Guwahati, Sept 24: The Assam administration has initiated a detailed evaluation of the regions surrounding Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, focusing on ecological and environmental factors. A draft proposal for establishing an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) has been formulated and submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

This information was revealed in the State government's affidavit submitted on Tuesday to the Gauhati High Court in response to PIL No. 56 of 2026, which challenges the validity of the PIL regarding the proposed ESZ around Kaziranga.

The petitioner, advocate Plaban Bharadwaj, filed the PIL on September 11, raising concerns over the government's reported plan to reduce the ESZ from the current 10-km protective area to approximately 1 km or 1-3 km in various locations.

The government has detailed the steps that will be taken prior to issuing any final ESZ notification. This process includes a review by an expert committee, consultations with stakeholders, public hearings, evaluations by the Central government and the Wildlife Institute of India, and the publication of a draft notification to invite public objections and suggestions, which will be considered before a final notification is issued.

“Thus, it has been argued that the petitioner will have the chance to voice objections during the statutory process, making judicial intervention at this stage premature,” Bharadwaj stated.

In its affidavit, the State government questioned the validity of the PIL, asserting that until the final notification and delineation of the Kaziranga ESZ are completed, it will adhere to the existing directives from the Supreme Court.

Additionally, the government affirmed its commitment to the protection and conservation of the National Park and Tiger Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Environment (Protection) Act, and other relevant laws.

“The State, through the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, has preliminarily indicated that many issues raised in the PIL—such as the extent and delineation of the Kaziranga ESZ, safeguarding animal corridors, mining activities in the Karbi Anglong area, and related conservation matters—are already being addressed by the Supreme Court in ongoing proceedings,” Bharadwaj noted.

The affidavit also mentions a previous PIL pending before the Gauhati High Court, PIL No. 47 of 2024, which deals with similar issues concerning Kaziranga, animal corridors, and non-forest activities. The State claims that a Coordinate Bench previously decided to wait for developments from the Supreme Court, and the current PIL raises significantly overlapping questions. Therefore, the State has requested that this case be either dismissed as not maintainable or postponed until the Supreme Court's proceedings conclude.

The petitioner has requested additional time to respond to the State's objections, and the matter is scheduled for further consideration on October 6, 2026.