--- title: "Assam to Reduce Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone to 1km Following SC Guidelines" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/assam-reduces-kaziranga-eco-sensitive-zone-to-1km-uk1en publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Society published: 2026-08-12T14:00:23.263Z modified: 2026-08-12T17:00:06.486Z language: en-IN --- # Assam to Reduce Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone to 1km Following SC Guidelines The Assam government plans to reduce the eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga National Park from 10 km to 1 km, adhering to Supreme Court directives. This move aims to facilitate development activities but has drawn criticism from conservationists concerned about wildlife impact. ## Key takeaways - Assam's eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga National Park will be reduced from 10km to 1km. - The reduction is in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines and aims to facilitate development. - Conservationists warn of negative impacts on wildlife movement and safety. - The Supreme Court has previously mandated a minimum 1km ESZ, allowing flexibility under certain conditions. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state government will decrease the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) surrounding the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) from 10 kilometers to 1 kilometer. This reduction is in line with guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. The Chief Minister stated on Wednesday that the previous 10 km limit was an interim measure that would be in place until the state formally notifies the reduced ESZ. He indicated that the Supreme Court had specified a 1 km ESZ, with provisions for extensions up to 3 km under certain circumstances. Sarma emphasized that maintaining the 10 km zone would prevent development and growth in nearby towns such as Kaliabar, Doboka, Jakhalabandha, and Bokakhat. He also noted that a 10 km ESZ is not typical for wildlife sanctuaries globally. ## Background In June 2022, the Supreme Court had mandated a minimum 1 km ESZ around protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. However, in April 2023, the court modified this order following concerns from states and the central government that a uniform application was impractical. The court acknowledged that strict adherence could negatively impact daily life and potentially increase human-animal conflict. Nevertheless, the court upheld a prohibition on mining activities within 1 km of protected areas. ## Key Facts - Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the reduction of the Kaziranga National Park's eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) from 10 km to 1 km. - The reduction is based on Supreme Court guidelines. - The previous 10 km limit was considered a default measure until a formal notification. - The Assam government proposed reducing the ESZ to 1 km within two months, citing the need for development activities, including stadium construction. - The Supreme Court's June 2022 order mandated a minimum 1 km ESZ, which was modified in April 2023 to allow for flexibility due to feasibility concerns and potential conflicts. - No mining will be permitted within the 1 km boundary of protected areas. - Wildlife activists and conservationists have expressed concerns about the potential negative effects on wildlife. - Conservationist Jadav Payeng noted that reduced ESZs could impede animals' movement to higher altitudes during annual floods. - Bibhab Talukdar, secretary general of Aaranyak, stated that the Supreme Court's June 2022 judgment mandated at least a 1 km ESZ. - Talukdar also stressed the need for a balance between conservation and the livelihood needs of local communities. ## What Happened The Assam government is proceeding with a plan to reduce the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve from 10 km to 1 km. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that this decision aligns with Supreme Court guidelines, which specify a 1 km ESZ that can be extended up to 3 km depending on specific conditions. The reduction is intended to permit development activities in the region. ## Concerns Raised The proposed reduction in the ESZ has been met with opposition from wildlife activists and conservationists. Jadav Payeng, a conservationist and Padma Sri awardee, expressed concern that the diminished zone would restrict the movement of animals, such as rhinos and elephants, to higher ground during the annual floods, potentially trapping them. He questioned the necessity of reducing the ESZ for construction projects near the national park. Bibhab Talukdar, secretary general of the wildlife conservation organization Aaranyak, reiterated the Supreme Court's directive for a minimum 1 km ESZ. He emphasized that the effectiveness of an ESZ, whether 1 km or 10 km, lies in its implementation for the long-term conservation of Kaziranga and other national parks. Talukdar also highlighted the importance of balancing conservation efforts with the economic needs of local populations living near these protected areas. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/assam-reduces-kaziranga-eco-sensitive-zone-to-1km-uk1en Reported from: Multiple Sources