Assam's CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Critiques Congress Over Kaziranga ESZ Protests

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a strong critique against the Congress party regarding their protests over the proposed changes to the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga National Park. Sarma emphasized that the responsibility for protecting this World Heritage Site lies with the local communities, not social media campaigns. The political tension escalates as the Congress opposes the government's proposal to reduce the ESZ, arguing it could weaken environmental safeguards. This dispute has sparked protests and mobilization among local residents, leading to a broader political battle over conservation and development rights in the region. Sarma's remarks are expected to intensify the ongoing confrontation between the BJP-led government and the Congress party.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 2, 2026, 17:19 IST

Political Tensions Rise Over Kaziranga National Park

Guwahati: On Wednesday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a fierce critique of the Congress party regarding their protests against the proposed modifications to the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) surrounding Kaziranga National Park. He emphasized that the preservation of this World Heritage Site cannot be achieved through social media activism or political rallies.

In response to the Congress's campaign concerning the Kaziranga ESZ, Sarma stated that Gaurav Gogoi, the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, is incapable of safeguarding Kaziranga. He asserted that the onus of protecting the national park ultimately rests with the local communities.

Sarma remarked, "Gaurav Gogoi cannot protect Kaziranga. The protection of Kaziranga will not be accomplished on Instagram. It is the local populace that must take charge of its preservation," directly targeting the Congress MP.

He further criticized the Congress for their protests, suggesting they should refrain from discussing Kaziranga.

"If there is no shame and no clothes, let Congress speak," the Chief Minister stated, implying that the party should not feel embarrassed about their stance.

These comments come amid a growing political uproar regarding the proposed reduction of the ESZ around Kaziranga National Park. The Assam government has suggested decreasing the current 10-km ESZ to a smaller zone, advocating for a buffer of 1 km to 3 km in various locations.

The Congress party has vehemently opposed this proposal, claiming that a reduction in the ESZ could undermine environmental protections and increase commercial and developmental pressures on the surrounding ecosystem.

In August, Gogoi led a protest in Kohora, demanding the withdrawal of the proposal. He has also raised alarms about alleged illegal mining activities in areas linked to the Kaziranga landscape and questioned the appointments of certain individuals to the State Wildlife Board.

Gogoi contends that environmental issues and mining concerns must be resolved before any alterations to the ESZ are made.

The controversy has also sparked mobilization among local residents. Various groups and individuals around Kaziranga have expressed support for the government's proposal, arguing that those living near the national park should have a significant role in determining the ESZ boundaries.

Residents in the Kaziranga area have organized meetings and protests against the Congress's call for a broader buffer zone.

The Congress has broadened its agitation beyond Kaziranga, organizing statewide protests and padayatras on August 29 in several districts, including Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat, demanding the retraction of the proposed ESZ reduction.

As a result, this dispute has transformed into a larger political struggle concerning conservation, development, and the rights of communities residing near Kaziranga.

Sarma's recent comments are likely to escalate the ongoing confrontation between the BJP-led Assam government and the Congress regarding the future of this iconic national park.