Assam seeks to trim Kaziranga's eco-buffer from 10 km to as little as 1 km

Assam’s administration plans to submit a request to the central government to shrink the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) surrounding Kaziranga National Park from the standard 10 kilometres to a variable strip of one to three kilometres, citing the need for development and livelihood opportunities for nearby residents. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says the current buffer would block projects in towns like Kaliabor, Doboka and the proposed stadium in Bokakhat, and even affect the Numaligarh Refinery.

Opponents, including the Assam Congress and wildlife experts such as Jadav Payeng, contend that the park’s wildlife often moves beyond its legal limits during floods, making a broader ESZ essential for safe corridors. The Supreme Court has previously allowed ESZs as small as one kilometre where justified, but the final width will depend on scientific assessment. Until the state’s notification is issued, the default 10-km zone stays in force, preserving existing restrictions on mining and other harmful activities. The outcome will determine which villages, roads and corridors fall under protection and how the balance between conservation and community growth is struck.