Assam Government Seeks to Reduce Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park's Eco-Sensitive Zone Proposal
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Guwahati, Aug 8: The Assam government is planning to approach the central government within the next two months to request a reduction of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) surrounding Kaziranga National Park from the current 10-kilometer limit to just 1 kilometer, as stated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
This initiative aims to alleviate restrictions that the government claims have hindered infrastructure and urban development projects in Bokakhat, including the construction of a modern stadium and other civic amenities.
During discussions regarding development in Bokakhat, Sarma mentioned that initial talks have already taken place, and the state will draft a proposal for submission to the Centre once Kaziranga receives its final notification.
“Currently, Kaziranga has not been finally notified, which means the default eco-sensitive zone remains at 10 kilometers. After the notification is finalized, we will propose a scientifically determined 1-kilometer eco-sensitive zone. This will eliminate unnecessary restrictions and enable us to carry out development projects in Bokakhat while still safeguarding wildlife,” Sarma explained.
He emphasized that the proposed reduction aims to find a balance between conservation efforts and development, allowing long-awaited infrastructure projects to move forward without compromising environmental protections.
This proposal arises amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the official delineation of Kaziranga’s ESZ.
In March of this year, the Gauhati High Court noted that there was neither a final notification nor a draft ESZ proposal submitted by the Assam government to the Centre, meaning the 10-kilometer directive remains in effect.
The government's initiative is expected to reignite discussions surrounding its recent actions related to the expansion and protection of the Kaziranga landscape.
In June 2025, Assam revoked the preliminary notification for the proposed ninth addition to Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Sonitpur district. This notification, issued in September 2020, encompassed 2,570 hectares in the Tezpur Revenue Circle.
The cancellation faced backlash from conservationists, who argued that the proposed addition was crucial for maintaining connectivity between Kaziranga and the broader landscape towards Nameri.
Concerns were also raised that this rollback could pave the way for development and commercial activities in areas that previously had environmental restrictions.
The latest proposal to adjust Kaziranga’s ESZ is likely to heighten the ongoing debate between conservation and development, especially since Bokakhat is adjacent to one of Assam’s most ecologically sensitive wildlife regions.
Nevertheless, the state government asserts that a scientifically defined ESZ would clarify where development can occur while ensuring adequate protection for Kaziranga and its wildlife.
Sarma indicated that the government is ready to advance this proposal with the Centre following the park’s final notification, aiming to eliminate what it views as unnecessary development restrictions in Bokakhat.