Assam Government Proposes Major Reduction of Kaziranga’s Eco-Sensitive Zone Amid Supreme Court Guidelines

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has recently defended the state government’s decision to significantly reduce the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) surrounding the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve from 10 kilometers to just 1 kilometer. This move comes in alignment with the directives issued by the Supreme Court of India, which has been the subject of much discussion and debate.

On August 8, Sarma clarified that the existing 10-kilometer ESZ around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for housing the largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world, was originally set “by default.” He indicated that the state intends to submit a formal proposal to the Union government in the coming two months to facilitate this reduction, emphasizing the need for development activities in the vicinity, such as the construction of a stadium.

The Supreme Court, in a ruling from June 2022, mandated that eco-sensitive zones of at least 1 kilometer be established around protected areas including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. However, this directive faced a revision in April 2023, following concerns raised by various states and the Union government. They argued that a blanket application of the 1-kilometer requirement was impractical and should instead be tailored to specific protected areas.

On Wednesday, Sarma reiterated the court’s intent, stating that it itself acknowledged the necessity of a 1-kilometer eco-sensitive zone. He underscored the government’s commitment to notifying the ESZ, highlighting the balance between conservation and developmental needs.

The Kaziranga National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and as a crucial habitat for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, is a focal point of conservation efforts in India. As the government navigates the complex interplay between ecological preservation and infrastructural development, the upcoming proposal is likely to spark extensive discussion among environmentalists, locals, and policymakers to ensure that the ecological integrity of this vital area is upheld.

Source: scroll.in