Assam CM says Kaziranga’s Eco-Sensitive Zone will be decided through an expert-led process based on wildlife movement and local conditions
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday clarified that his earlier reference to a 1-km Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park was specifically made in the context of Bokakhat.
Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said different parts of the Kaziranga landscape could require different ESZ limits depending on factors such as wildlife movement and ecological conditions.
“When I said I would create an Eco-Sensitive Zone, I said Bokakhat because there it does not need more than 1 km. But if you see Karbi Anglong, where there is elephant movement, then it might need 10 km,” he said.
The Chief Minister said there is currently no notified ESZ around Kaziranga and that the Centre has asked Assam to prepare a proposal. He pointed out that the Kaziranga landscape extends beyond Kohora, covering areas including Biswanath, Gohpur, Kaliabor, Karbi Anglong and Bokakhat.
The Chief Minister said the proposed ESZ would be determined through an expert-led process, with an expert committee preparing the proposal before it is sent to the Centre.
The proposal would then be examined by the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun and discussed by the National Board for Wildlife and conservationists before a final decision.
The Chief Minister also accused some sections of spreading misinformation over the ESZ proposal, saying it could create unnecessary fear among residents.
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