Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised Congress over Kaziranga’s proposed eco-sensitive zone reduction, saying a 10-km zone could affect residents, livelihoods, businesses and infrastructure around Bokakhat and Kaliabor.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday criticised the Congress over its opposition to the proposed reduction of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park, saying that retaining a blanket 10-kilometre zone could significantly affect residents, businesses and economic activities in areas surrounding the protected forest.
Sarma argued that the discussion over the Kaziranga ESZ should primarily focus on the concerns of people living around the national park rather than being treated as a political controversy. He said communities in areas such as Bokakhat and Kaliabor have raised concerns about restrictions that could affect residential settlements, livelihoods and commercial establishments.
“If the eco-sensitive zone is 10 km from Bokakhat to Kaliabor, how will people live there?” Sarma asked while explaining the government’s position.
According to the Chief Minister, the existing ESZ around Kaziranga currently extends up to the default 10-kilometre limit. He said the proposed reduction would bring the zone to between one and three kilometres, in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court.
Sarma said residents of Bokakhat and Kaliabor had approached the Supreme Court over the issue, highlighting the difficulties that a wider eco-sensitive zone could create for communities that have developed around the national park. He maintained that the government must consider both environmental protection and the practical requirements of people residing near protected areas.
The Chief Minister also took a direct swipe at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, saying those opposing the proposed changes should take into account the ground realities faced by local residents. He questioned how communities could continue their daily lives and economic activities if extensive restrictions were imposed across a 10-kilometre belt.
Sarma further clarified that the Supreme Court’s directions did not require every protected area in the country to have a uniform 10-kilometre eco-sensitive zone. Instead, he said, the boundaries around Kaziranga would be determined in accordance with the court’s guidelines and the specific circumstances of the area.
The proposed change has emerged as an important issue because several settlements and economic establishments are located close to Kaziranga National Park. Sarma cautioned that maintaining a 10-kilometre ESZ could have implications for major infrastructure, commercial establishments and communities in the surrounding areas.
“If the eco-sensitive zone is 10 km, Kaliabor and Bokakhat people will also go,” Sarma said, underscoring what he described as the potential consequences of retaining a wider zone.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government’s approach was aimed at striking a balance between conservation and the interests of local communities. While protecting Kaziranga’s sensitive ecosystem remains important, he said environmental regulations should not place disproportionate restrictions on people whose homes, businesses and livelihoods have developed around the national park.
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The debate over the proposed ESZ reduction therefore continues to centre on finding a workable balance between wildlife conservation and sustainable development. Sarma maintained that the government’s position was intended to protect Kaziranga while ensuring that residents of nearby areas, particularly Bokakhat and Kaliabor, are not adversely affected by excessive restrictions.
