In Brief
- Eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga National Park cut from 10 km to 1 km.
- Reduction aims to boost infrastructure and developmental projects near the park.
- Previous 10 km restriction limited land use and local economic growth.
- Change expected to balance conservation with regional progress.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the government’s decision to reduce the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park (KNP) from 10 kilometres to 1 kilometre. This measure is aimed at facilitating developmental activities in the region while maintaining necessary environmental safeguards.
The existing 10 km ESZ radius had imposed strict land use regulations, affecting agriculture, construction, and other livelihood activities in the bordering areas. By scaling down the zone to 1 km, authorities hope to ease these restrictions, encouraging infrastructure growth and economic opportunities for local communities.
The decision followed consultations with environmentalists and stakeholders to ensure that the ecological integrity of Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not compromised. Officials emphasized that adequate conservation measures will continue within the National Park boundaries.
This policy shift reflects Assam’s approach to balancing environmental protection with sustainable development, seeking improved livelihoods alongside wildlife conservation.
