Assam Proposes Cutting Kaziranga Eco‑Sensitive Zone to 1–3 Km

Experts warn the plan would expose the park’s flood refuges and wildlife corridors to mining and hotel development, and any formal change must be approved by the central environment ministry.

Overview

The Assam government has proposed reducing the de facto 10‑kilometre eco‑sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga to between 1 and 3 kilometres in different areas, a move that the state says will protect villagers’ livelihoods.
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee organised statewide padayatras and protests on Saturday, August 29, 2026, accusing the state government of favouring commercial interests and demanding withdrawal of the proposal.
IUCN expert Dr. Sanjib Barkakati and other conservationists say the ESZ must be drawn site‑specifically and that the southern 10‑km belt is critical as monsoon flood refuge, wildlife corridor and catchment for the park.
Reports and experts cite permitted or alleged illegal hotel construction and quarrying near elephant corridors and reserved forests as immediate risks that could increase human‑animal conflict and long‑term ecosystem damage if protections are narrowed.
Any official alteration of Kaziranga’s ESZ would require consideration and notification by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and follows a 2021 draft submitted by Assam that was withdrawn in 2025.