The Assam government has proposed reducing the size of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) surrounding Kaziranga National Park from a default 10-kilometre buffer to a site-specific range of 1 to 3 kilometres. This shift aims to balance the needs of nearby communities with the conservation goals of the park, which is home to one of the world’s largest populations of one-horned rhinoceroses. The proposal, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has sparked controversy among conservationists and environmental groups, who argue that a narrower ESZ could compromise the long-term integrity of the ecosystem. Kaziranga National Park, located in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park spans approximately 430 square kilometres and is a critical habitat for numerous species, including tigers, elephants, and the critically endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Surrounding the park is the broader Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, which includes additional land designated for conservation purposes. The current 10-kilometre ESZ serves as a regulatory buffer, designed to limit harmful human activities near the park’s boundary. However, the Assam government argues that this uniform buffer is outdated and fails to account for local conditions. The concept of an eco-sensitive zone is rooted in environmental policy aimed at protecting ecosystems adjacent to protected areas. An ESZ is not an automatic restriction on human activity but rather a regulatory framework that classifies activities based on their potential environmental impact. Activities within these zones may be prohibited, regulated, or permitted depending on the specific rules outlined in the notification. While the ESZ does not prevent local communities from engaging in agriculture or construction, it imposes stricter controls on activities that could harm the environment. Sarma has emphasized that the 10-kilometre ESZ is a default arrangement, not tailored to the unique geography and socio-economic conditions of the region. He has stated that the state plans to submit a formal proposal to the central government to replace the uniform buffer with a site-specific ESZ ranging from 1 to 3 kilometres. According to him, this adjustment would allow for greater flexibility in managing development projects, such as the construction of a stadium near the park, while still maintaining the core protections of Kaziranga. He has also noted that the Supreme Court has previously indicated that an ESZ of 1 kilometre is standard for wildlife sanctuaries, with the option to expand it to three kilometres if necessary. However, critics argue that reducing the ESZ could lead to increased encroachment on the park’s surroundings, potentially threatening the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Environmental activists warn that the current 10-kilometre buffer plays a crucial role in safeguarding the park against pollution, deforestation, and illegal activities such as sand mining and quarrying. Recent reports indicate that illegal sand mining in the Deihori River, a key feeder to Kaziranga’s wetlands, has continued despite previous bans. These activities pose a direct threat to the park’s water resources and overall health. The debate over the ESZ has also intensified following a 2022 ruling by the Supreme Court, which ordered the cessation of mining and quarrying activities along the southern boundary of Kaziranga to protect the area’s ecological integrity. A Central Empowered Committee (CEC) formed by the court had requested detailed information on construction activities within the park’s animal corridors and the 10-kilometre ESZ. Despite multiple reminders, the Assam government failed to provide the requested data, leading to further scrutiny of its compliance with environmental regulations. As the Assam government moves forward with its proposal, the outcome will likely shape the future of Kaziranga’s conservation efforts and the livelihoods of the communities living in its vicinity. The final decision on the ESZ will determine whether the park continues to serve as a model of successful wildlife conservation or faces increasing pressure from human expansion.
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