Kaziranga National Park's Eco-Sensitive Zone Reduction Sparks Controversy
Chief Minister Defends ESZ Reduction
AT Photo: One-horned rhinoceros in Assam's Kaziranga National Park
Guwahati, Aug 17: On Monday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the media, justifying the proposed decrease of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) surrounding Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve from 10 kilometers to just 1 kilometer. He stated that this decision was influenced by the concerns of local residents living near the park.
Sarma explained that communities in Bokakhat and Kaliabor have been voicing their opposition to the extensive ESZ for nearly ten years, even taking their grievances to the Supreme Court.
“The residents of Bokakhat and Kaliabor had filed a case in the Supreme Court. The people of Kaziranga protect Kaziranga. If people are removed from Kaziranga, then where will Kaziranga be? I am not saying this; the people of Kaliabor and Bokakhat had approached the Supreme Court,” Sarma stated.
He emphasized that the local populace had expressed worries about the limitations imposed on their business and livelihood opportunities due to the larger ESZ.
“If the Eco-Sensitive Zone is 10 km, then we would have to close Numaligarh Refinery as well. There is no need for unnecessary arguments. The ESZ is 1 to 3 km; that is what the Supreme Court judgment says,” he added.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the geographical extent of Kaziranga, noting that the protected area reaches far beyond Kohora. He argued that applying a 10-km radius from the park's boundary would encompass several populated regions.
“Kaziranga stretches north up to Biswanath Ghat. If you mark a 10-km radius from there, Gohpur, Biswanath Chariali would all be covered. Kaziranga does not mean Kohora. We are not saying 10 km from Kohora; we are talking about 10 km from the Kaziranga boundary. Just because I have said this does not mean you have to oppose it. The Supreme Court has said 3 km is enough,” he remarked.
However, this proposed reduction has faced backlash from conservationists and forest officials, who question the logic behind limiting the ESZ to just 1 km.
They caution that a narrower ESZ could severely impact Kaziranga’s biodiversity and long-term conservation efforts, particularly by intensifying pressure from industrial activities near the park.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had previously recommended an immediate halt to mining, quarrying, and stone-crushing activities throughout the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape.
It stressed the importance of safeguarding wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity, especially for species like tigers and elephants. The NTCA’s recommendations contrast sharply with the proposed ESZ reduction, with conservationists warning that a smaller zone could exempt polluting and extractive activities from regulatory oversight.
Clarification on Vantara's Proposal for Wildlife Facilities
Regarding the proposal from Vantara to create elephant hospitals and other wildlife facilities in Assam, Sarma clarified that the organization has not committed to independently establishing these facilities but has offered to assist the state government technically.
“Vantara has not said that they would set up hospitals. They have said that they will help the State Government establish elephant hospitals. They have offered technical cooperation and know-how and will help in setting up three such hospitals,” Sarma explained.
He added that the state government would review the proposal before making a decision. “We said we will examine it, but they have not said that they will come and set up their own hospitals,” he concluded.