# Assam seeks to cut Kaziranga eco-sensitive zone to 1 km 2026-08-09T23:46:03+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said his government will approach the Centre within two months to reduce the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park from the default 10 km to 1 km. Sarma argued the move would ease restrictions that have blocked infrastructure projects like a stadium in Bokakhat. He cited a 2022 Supreme Court order that mandates a minimum ESZ of 1 km for all protected areas, and noted that Deepor Beel near Guwahati was recently notified with a 1-km ESZ. Conservationists have criticised the proposal, recalling that Assam cancelled plans to add 2,570 hectares to Kaziranga in June 2025. The Gauhati High Court noted in March 2025 that no final ESZ notification exists for Kaziranga. Sarma said the default 10-km zone remains until the Centre notifies the new limit. ## Coverage - assamtribune.com - thehindu.com Tags: Assam government, conservation vs development, eco-sensitive zone, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Kaziranga National Park Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/assam-seeks-to-cut-kaziranga-eco-sensitive-zone-from-10-km-to-1-km/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/assam-seeks-to-cut-kaziranga-eco-sensitive-zone-from-10-km-to-1-km/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.