The Assam government has proposed reducing the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park from the existing 10-km radius to between 1 and 3 km, citing petitions from local residents and compliance with directions of the Supreme Court.
The proposal, however, has triggered protests and opposition from environmental activists and political parties, including the Congress. Critics have alleged that reducing the ESZ could pave the way for the transfer of Kaziranga’s land to big corporate interests and cause serious damage to the region’s fragile ecosystem.
At a public hearing on the proposed ESZ, organised by the Kaziranga Yuva Mancha at Kohora, however, a majority of local residents reportedly supported limiting the zone to a maximum of 1 km. Some participants even argued for a radius of less than 1 km, saying this would help protect the livelihoods of villagers living close to the forest.
Local residents said the proposal for the Kaziranga ESZ was prepared in 2011 and that they have been protesting against it since then. They maintain that a wider ESZ could adversely affect the livelihood and day-to-day activities of communities living around the national park.
The debate has also brought renewed attention to alleged unregulated mining and soil excavation in parts of the Karbi Anglong hills. Critics have claimed that adequate action has not been taken to curb such activities, raising concerns over ecological damage and changes to the surrounding environment.
While the government has maintained that the proposed reduction is linked to local representations and the Supreme Court’s directions, environmental groups and opposition parties have called for greater protection of Kaziranga’s ecologically sensitive landscape.
The proposed revision of the ESZ is now at the centre of a wider debate between conservation concerns and the livelihood interests of communities living around Kaziranga.
