GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday, August 26, said the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve may not be restricted to 1 km across all areas.
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Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Sarma said the extent of the ESZ could vary depending on the nature of the area and the presence of important wildlife corridors.
Speaking about Bokakhat, the Chief Minister said the area has developed into a complete town and may not require an ESZ extending beyond 1 km.
“In Bokakhat you don't need more than 1-kilometer ESZ, as it has become a town now,” CM Sarma told the media.
However, Sarma said areas towards Karbi Anglong could require a wider ESZ because of the presence of important animal corridors.
“But if you look towards Karbi Anglong, since elephants travel through that area, it might require even 10 kilometers,” he said.
The remarks indicate that the government is considering a location-specific approach to determining the extent of the ESZ rather than applying a uniform distance across all areas surrounding Kaziranga.
CM Sarma said the proposed ESZ boundaries will first be examined by an expert committee.
Following the committee's report, the proposal will be sent to the Centre for further examination and approval through the concerned institutions and the National Board for Wildlife.
The final extent of the ESZ around different parts of Kaziranga will therefore depend on the recommendations of the expert committee and the subsequent approval process.