The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced plans to ask the Centre to reduce the ESZ around Kaziranga from the default 10 km to a minimum of 1 km. The move has sparked a debate between development aspirations and ecological protection.
Key Developments
- Assam seeks a 1‑km ESZ around Kaziranga, citing urban growth pressures in nearby towns such as Bokakhat and Kaliabor.
- The proposal references the NBWL 2002 resolution and the 2011 MoEFCC directive for site‑specific ESZ notifications.
- Assam points to the Deepor Beel draft notification, which limits its ESZ to 1‑5 km due to biotic pressure.
- The Supreme Court has previously ordered a uniform 1‑km ESZ but later allowed flexibility after objections from states like Kerala.
- Environmental activists, including Jadab Payeng, and opposition leaders warn that a reduced ESZ could increase human‑animal conflict and damage migration corridors.
Important Facts
Kaziranga covers 1,302 sq. km and hosts the world’s largest population of Indian rhinoceros. The default ESZ of up to 10 km is meant to act as a “shock absorber” for activities such as commercial mining, large‑scale tourism, and industrial projects. Prohibited activities in an ESZ include commercial mining, sawmills, and hydro‑electric projects. Regulated activities cover tree felling, road widening, and intensive agriculture, while permitted activities encourage eco‑friendly farming and renewable energy.
The MoEFCC issued a July 2025 draft for Deepor Beel, prescribing an ESZ of 38.84 sq. km after noting “immense biotic pressure” from urban expansion and industrial effluents.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the ESZ framework is essential for GS‑2 (Environment & Ecology) as it illustrates how legal instruments balance development and conservation. The role of the NBWL and MoEFCC showcases inter‑governmental coordination, a frequent UPSC topic. The case also touches upon federal‑state relations, a GS‑2 (Polity) theme, and the Supreme Court’s judicial activism in environmental matters, relevant for GS‑1 (Constitutional Law).
Way Forward
- State governments should submit scientifically justified, site‑specific ESZ proposals to the Centre, ensuring ecological corridors remain intact.
- Stakeholders must conduct impact assessments for any development within the proposed 1‑km buffer, especially mining and tourism projects.
- Public awareness campaigns can highlight the importance of the ESZ for wildlife safety and local livelihoods.
- Continuous monitoring by the NBWL and MoEFCC will be needed to adjust the ESZ based on ground realities.
Balancing Assam’s urban growth with the ecological integrity of Kaziranga will require a nuanced, evidence‑based approach that respects both development goals and biodiversity conservation.