Now Reading: Assam seeks to cut Kaziranga eco-sensitive zone to 1 km
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Assam seeks to cut Kaziranga eco-sensitive zone to 1 km
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
The Kaziranga ESZ debate is yet another example of development and conservation being pitted as rivals when both need clear rules. Sarma is right that the Supreme Court allows a 1-km zone, but conservationists are right that the state has a pattern of trimming protections, from the cancelled Kaziranga expansion to this proposal. The real test is not the notification but what comes after: will the state publish the scientific study that defines the 1-km boundary, and will it be enforced?
Sources (2): assamtribune.com, thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
