Kaziranga Residents Rally for Reduced Eco-Sensitive Zone Amid Political Tensions

Residents surrounding Kaziranga National Park have rallied for a reduction in the eco-sensitive zone, shifting from a 10-km buffer to just 1 km. This demonstration, which turned into a show of support for the government, was sparked by opposition from Congress, which claims the reduction could threaten wildlife conservation. Protesters expressed their frustrations with local political leaders and emphasized the need for community involvement in determining the ESZ boundaries. The Assam government plans to approach the Centre for a site-specific ESZ, while environmentalists raise concerns about the ecological impact of such changes. The ongoing political debate highlights the tension between development and conservation in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 18, 2026, 17:02 IST

Community Support for Eco-Sensitive Zone Reduction

Protestors with banners and placards in Kothuri (Image)

Golaghat/Guwahati, Aug 18: A demonstration by locals near Kaziranga National Park advocating for a decrease in its eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) evolved into a display of support for the government while opposing Congress on Tuesday.

Numerous residents from regions such as Bagori-Kuthari participated in the march from Kothari to Haldhibari, brandishing banners and chanting slogans endorsing the government's initiative to shrink the ESZ from the existing 10-km buffer to just 1 km.

“Several political figures are against the 1-km eco-sensitive zone. We denounce their remarks. We are aware of the challenges posed by the ESZ, and we appreciate the Chief Minister’s decision as a remedy to our issues. Our protest today is in response to Gaurav Gogoi's statement advocating for the 10 km zone, which we believe is incorrect,” stated a local participant.

The demonstrators temporarily obstructed the road at Haldhibari before presenting a memorandum to local authorities, urging prompt action on the proposed reduction.

This rally followed a protest by the Assam Congress near Kaziranga, where the opposition party claimed that the reduction could serve as a “legal cover for mining and threaten wildlife conservation.”

Protesters also criticized Jorhat MP Gogoi for hindering development initiatives in the area.

“This is not Last Gate or Dispur where they can protest at will. They are even opposing the elevated corridor. What kind of representative is Gaurav Gogoi? We feel embarrassed to call him an MP. The people of Kaziranga stand with the government and urge it to eliminate the eco-sensitive zone entirely,” another protester expressed.

The Assam Jatiyabadi Yuva Parishad also supported increased community involvement in defining the ESZ boundaries.

“The voices of the people and villages surrounding Kaziranga should be prioritized. The ESZ limits must be established with their input. While Kaziranga needs protection, the residents must also be safeguarded,” the organization stated.

Meanwhile, the Mising student organization TMPK endorsed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s proposal, demanding that the ESZ be reduced to zero in populated areas.

During a press conference at Mising Jironi Chora, the organization noted that residents of Bokakhat and Kaliabor had been advocating for this change for years. They also mentioned that several student leaders faced legal issues in 2019 due to protests against ESZ restrictions.

“We support and welcome the Chief Minister’s decision to lessen the eco-sensitive zone. We urge Congress to refrain from interfering with the residents of Bokakhat and Kaziranga,” a TMPK representative stated.

The TMPK emphasized that the state government's stance in ongoing legal matters regarding Kaziranga would benefit local communities and criticized Congress for opposing the proposed reduction.

A TMPK spokesperson highlighted that the 10-km ESZ had limited daily activities, including hosting events, playing loud music, disposing of plastic waste, and constructing concrete homes.

The Assam government intends to approach the Centre within the next two months to request a site-specific ESZ for Kaziranga, proposing a reduction from the default 10-km buffer to 1 km.

Until a definitive site-specific notification is issued, the 10-km buffer remains in effect under the Supreme Court’s directives, as per a recent Gauhati High Court ruling.

In 2022, the Supreme Court mandated that every national park and wildlife sanctuary should maintain an ESZ of at least 1 km from its designated boundary, while a broader existing or proposed buffer would persist until a final decision is made.

Chief Minister Sarma has defended the proposed reduction, asserting that it addresses the concerns of residents near Kaziranga, particularly in Bokakhat and Kaliabor. The state government has also contended that the larger buffer has hindered infrastructure and urban development projects in the vicinity of the park.

Conversely, Congress has opposed the initiative, claiming that reducing the ESZ could provide legal justification for illegal coal mining and facilitate extensive mining activities around Kaziranga.

This proposed alteration has also raised alarms among environmentalists and conservationists, who are questioning the ecological consequences of diminishing the buffer surrounding one of India’s vital wildlife habitats.