Concerns Rise Over Kaziranga National Park's Reduced Eco-Sensitive Zone

The recent decision by the State Government to reduce the eco-sensitive zone of Kaziranga National Park to just 1 kilometer has raised alarms among conservationists and foresters. They argue that this move could severely threaten the park's biodiversity and long-term conservation efforts. The National Tiger Conservation Authority has called for an immediate ban on mining and industrial activities in the surrounding areas, emphasizing the need to protect vital wildlife corridors. As industrial operations continue to pose risks, experts warn that the park's ecological integrity is at stake. This article delves into the implications of the government's decision and the urgent need for protective measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 17, 2026, 11:58 IST

Kaziranga National Park's Eco-Sensitive Zone Under Scrutiny

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Guwahati, Aug 17: Environmentalists and forestry experts are expressing serious concerns regarding the State Government's decision to significantly shrink the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve to just 1 kilometer. They caution that this action could inflict irreversible damage on the park's rich biodiversity and undermine long-term conservation efforts.

If this decision is enacted, it would effectively shield numerous highly polluting industrial operations that are currently situated in the surrounding areas of Kaziranga, particularly on the Karbi Anglong side beyond the park's southern limits.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has previously advocated for an immediate ban on all mining, quarrying, and stone crushing activities throughout the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong region, which starkly contrasts with the State Government's plan to drastically reduce the ESZ.

Currently, various stone quarries and mining operations are located within 2-5 kilometers of the southern boundary of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. The new ESZ regulations would legitimize these operations and potentially encourage further industrial development in the future.

The NTCA has made its position clear, stating in its assessments that the stone mining and quarrying activities in the area between Kaziranga and the Karbi Anglong hills are detrimental to wildlife corridors and essential habitats for species such as the Indian elephant and tigers.

Moreover, a report from April 20, 2018, highlighted that these activities contribute to the drying up and siltation of natural streams and rivulets flowing from the Karbi Anglong hills towards Kaziranga.

Alarmingly, since the NTCA's observations, there has been little improvement in land use, with polluting industries continuing to operate without restraint.

“Given the destructive nature of quarrying and mining, it is imperative that all such operations be halted immediately. Failure to do so poses a significant risk of permanently severing Kaziranga National Park's connectivity with the larger Karbi Anglong landscape,” the report cautioned, emphasizing that the absence of wildlife corridors would severely impact the long-term conservation of species like tigers and Indian elephants.

A senior forest official revealed that many industrial units remain operational, some even clandestinely, while others have been shut down. “Despite directives from the NTCA and the Supreme Court, there has not been a consistent effort to crack down on these polluting entities. Some have been closed, and there are ongoing court cases regarding others,” he noted.

The official further explained that limiting the ESZ to 1 kilometer would leave many industrial units just outside this zone, allowing them to continue their harmful activities.

“This could also lead to a surge in similar industrial operations in areas beyond the 1-kilometer radius,” he added.

The NTCA, based on its findings from various official documents and field visits, has recommended an immediate cessation of all mining, quarrying, and stone crushing activities in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, given the park's critical role in preserving the world's largest population of Indian rhinoceroses.

Additionally, it has urged the formation of a committee by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to review all permissions and clearances granted to stone crushers and mining units operating in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong area.

“The Assam Forest Department should take necessary actions to develop a Tiger Conservation Plan for the core, buffer, and corridor areas, as well as to officially designate the Eco-sensitive Zone surrounding Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve,” it further recommended.