Assam Proposes Reducing Kaziranga Buffer Zone to 1 Kilometer

The Assam government has officially requested the central government to set a 1-kilometer Eco-Sensitive Zone around the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. This proposal seeks to replace the current default 10-kilometer buffer zone to allow for more development in nearby areas. State authorities argue that the current 10-kilometer rule creates heavy restrictions on local growth and infrastructure projects in towns such as Bokakhat, Kaliabor, and Jakhalabandha.

Impact on Local Development

Officials state that the current buffer zone rules place a significant burden on the regional economy. By limiting the protected area to a fixed 1-kilometer boundary, the government aims to provide legal clarity for new construction and local businesses. Proponents of this change believe that this fixed boundary will still prevent the setup of highly polluting industries while allowing essential infrastructure development to proceed in the region.

Environmental and Wildlife Concerns

Wildlife experts and environmentalists have expressed worry over the potential reduction of the buffer zone. Kaziranga National Park is home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros and elephants, which depend on the nearby Karbi Anglong hills for safety. Experts note that these animals need clear, unhindered access to higher ground during the annual monsoon floods to survive.

Risks to Wildlife Corridors

Critics of the proposal warn that narrowing the buffer zone could lead to more commercial construction and higher traffic volumes near important wildlife paths. This development may cause the fragmentation of migration routes used by animals to escape floods. There is a significant concern that reducing this space could increase the frequency of human-wildlife conflict in the areas surrounding the reserve. The final decision now rests with the central government, which must weigh the need for regional economic growth against the ecological requirements of the protected landscape.