Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intends to shrink the eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga National Park. He wants to slash the current 10-kilometer default limit down to one kilometer. The state government plans to submit a formal proposal to the Centre within two months.
Sarma announced the shift during a recent visit to Bokakhat. He believes the change will clear a path for stalled infrastructure projects. The town needs a new stadium. It also requires significant upgrades to its local civic infrastructure. Currently, the default 10-kilometer buffer remains in place because no final notification exists. The Gauhati High Court noted in March that the Centre had received neither a final notification nor a draft proposal from state authorities.
Sarma says the reduction will provide regulatory clarity. He aims for a scientifically defined zone that protects wildlife while enabling growth. "Once there is a proper notification, the eco-sensitive zone will be reduced to one kilometre, which will significantly ease many of the existing constraints," Sarma said.
The push for development follows controversy over state land decisions. In June 2025, Assam officials withdrew a 2,570-hectare preliminary notification for a ninth addition to the park in the Sonitpur district. Conservationists worry this move threatens vital wildlife corridors connecting to Nameri. Sarma plans to return to Bokakhat soon to finalize his development plans.
Comments