Guwahati, Aug 17 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday criticised the Congress for opposing the proposed reduction of the eco‑sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park, arguing that a blanket 10‑km zone would severely affect residents and businesses in the surrounding areas.
Sarma said the ESZ, which currently extends up to the default 10‑km limit, would be reduced to between 1 km and 3 km in line with Supreme Court directions.
“If the eco‑sensitive zone is 10 km from Bokakhat to Kaliabor, how will people live there?” he asked.
He noted that residents of Bokakhat and Kaliabor had approached the Supreme Court over the issue and that local communities had long raised concerns about restrictions impacting residential areas, livelihoods and commercial establishments.
He stressed that the debate should be viewed from the perspective of people living around Kaziranga rather than as a political issue.
Taking a swipe at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Sarma said those opposing the proposed change should understand residents’ ground realities and concerns.
He clarified that the Supreme Court’s directions did not mandate a uniform 10‑km ESZ for every protected area and that the proposed limits around Kaziranga would be determined in accordance with the court’s guidelines.
The Chief Minister cautioned that retaining a 10‑km ESZ could affect major economic establishments and infrastructure located around the park.
He specifically referred to settlements in Bokakhat and Kaliabor, while explaining the potential impact of a wider protected zone.
“If the eco‑sensitive zone is 10 km, Kaliabor and Bokakhat people will also go,” Sarma said.
He reiterated that the government’s position aimed to balance environmental conservation with the rights and livelihoods of communities living near Kaziranga. The proposed reduction, he said, was intended to ensure that conservation measures did not impose disproportionate restrictions on residents and economic activities in areas that have developed around the national park.
–IANS
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