Assam Government to Engage Local Communities for Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Kaziranga
Consultation for Eco-Sensitive Zone Implementation
File image of rhinos taking shelter in one of the natural High grounds of Kaziranga National Park during floods (Photo: @arunvigneshcs/X)
Guwahati, Sept 2: The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced on Wednesday that the state will involve local communities in the implementation of the Supreme Court's directive to establish an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park.
Sarma emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns and challenges faced by residents living near the national park while finalizing the ESZ.
“We are mandated to create an Eco-Sensitive Zone as per the Supreme Court's ruling. Engaging with the local populace is essential to ensure a well-structured ESZ. We must alleviate the hardships faced by the community. As the Chief Minister, it is my duty to listen to the people who elected me,” Sarma stated during a press interaction in Dergaon.
He highlighted that the long-term conservation of Kaziranga relies heavily on the collaboration and support of the surrounding communities.
“The preservation of Kaziranga cannot be achieved through social media campaigns. It is the local residents who play a crucial role in its protection. Ignoring their sentiments while making decisions is not the right approach. Our government is committed to working alongside the locals,” he added.
Additionally, Sarma criticized the Opposition Congress for its recent protests against the proposed modifications to the ESZ around Kaziranga.
“We have successfully curbed rhino poaching and have made Kaziranga a source of pride for visitors. More initiatives will be launched there. However, it is disheartening to see a political party, which allowed rhino poaching to thrive during its tenure, criticize our efforts regarding Kaziranga,” Sarma remarked.
On August 29, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) organized statewide protests against the government's plan to reduce the ESZ around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve from 10 km to 1 km.
Congress activists conducted padyatras and demonstrations in various districts, including Sonitpur, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Hailakandi, and Karimganj, among others. These protests were triggered by Sarma's earlier comments about a potential reduction in the ESZ. However, the Chief Minister clarified on August 27 that his mention of a 1-km ESZ was specifically related to the Bokakhat area.
He explained that different regions within the Kaziranga landscape would necessitate tailored approaches regarding the ESZ, taking into account factors like wildlife movement and the proximity to the Brahmaputra River.