The Assam government will consult local communities while implementing the Supreme Court’s order on the creation of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event in Dergaon, Sarma said the concerns and difficulties faced by people living around Kaziranga would be taken into consideration while finalising the ESZ.
He said the government would follow the Supreme Court’s direction but would ensure that the process does not create unnecessary difficulties for local residents.
“We have to create an Eco-Sensitive Zone as the Supreme Court has allowed us. We will speak with the people and create an Eco-Sensitive Zone nicely. The difficulties faced by the people have to be removed,” Sarma said, adding that as Chief Minister, he had a responsibility to listen to the people and work in their interests.
Sarma stressed that the long-term protection of Kaziranga would depend heavily on the cooperation of communities living around the national park. He argued that conservation could not be achieved without the support of local residents.
“The protection of Kaziranga cannot be done on Instagram. The people living near it will protect Kaziranga,” he said, emphasising the need to work together with local communities rather than taking decisions that could alienate them.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Opposition Congress over its recent protests against the proposed changes to the ESZ around Kaziranga. He claimed that his government had succeeded in reducing rhino poaching and improving Kaziranga’s image as a major wildlife destination.
His comments came after the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) organised statewide protests on August 29 against the proposed reduction of the ESZ around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve from 10 km to 1 km. Congress workers held padyatras and demonstrations in several districts, including Sonitpur, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Hailakandi and Karimganj.
The protests followed Sarma’s earlier remarks about the possibility of reducing the ESZ. However, on August 27, the Chief Minister clarified that his reference to a 1-km ESZ was specifically related to Bokakhat.
Sarma explained that a uniform ESZ may not be appropriate for the entire Kaziranga landscape. Different areas, he said, may require different approaches depending on factors such as wildlife movement, local geography and the presence of the Brahmaputra.
The government’s stated approach is therefore to balance wildlife conservation, the Supreme Court’s directions and the concerns of communities living around Kaziranga.
