The debate over the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park has reached the villages outside the park, with some residents backing the Assam government’s proposal for a site-specific zone instead of a blanket 10-km boundary.
The issue has become a political flashpoint in recent days, with Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi opposing the government’s proposal. “We welcome the government’s decision to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga from 10 kilometres to 1 kilometre. “Those who are demanding that the Eco-Sensitive Zone be increased back to 10 kilometres – where were they earlier? Congress leaders are protesting today and demanding a 10-kilometre Eco-Sensitive Zone, but what did they do when they were in government?” he said.
The government’s proposal is to decide the extent of the ESZ according to the situation in different parts of the Kaziranga landscape. Madhur Mohanta, a resident of Uthori village, said local people want development in their villages without compromising the protection of the national park. This will help in the development of our villages and also create opportunities for tourists visiting Kaziranga to explore nearby villages, which can benefit local people and generate employment,” Mohanta said. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the government has to consider both conservation and the concerns of communities that have lived around the park for generations.
On Tuesday, Sarma again criticised the Congress campaign and said the opposition had misunderstood the government’s position.
He reiterated that protecting Kaziranga remained a priority but said the interests of people living around the park could not be ignored.
