Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the plan to reduce Kaziranga\u2019s eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) from 10 km to 1 km would follow Supreme Court guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On August 8, Sarma said the ESZ around Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important habitat for the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, was 10 km \u201cby default.\u201d He said the Assam government would submit a proposal to the Centre within two months to reduce the ESZ limit from 10 km to 1 km. He said the move was required to facilitate development activities in the region, including the construction of a stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe SC itself had stated that the ESZ would be of 1 km. Until the state government officially notifies the ESZ, its limit will remain 10 km. Once the state notifies it, the limit will be reduced to 1 km, as specified by the Supreme Court,\u201d Sarma said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further said that maintaining a 10-km ESZ around KNPTR would affect towns such as Kaliabar, Doboka, Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. According to him, Supreme Court guidelines specify an ESZ of 1 km, which can extend up to 3 km depending on circumstances. He also said there is no wildlife sanctuary in the world surrounded by a 10-km ESZ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In June 2022, the Supreme Court ordered that an ESZ of at least 1 km should be declared around protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, in April 2023, after submissions from states and the Centre that a uniform approach was not practical, the Supreme Court modified its earlier order. It observed that strict implementation of the earlier direction could increase human-animal conflict and affect citizens\u2019 day-to-day activities. However, the court said that mining would not be allowed within 1 km of protected areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Assam government\u2019s proposal to reduce the ESZ has received criticism from wildlife activists and conservationists in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n