The Assam Congress staged statewide protests on August 29 against the state government’s proposal to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park. Congress leaders and workers organised padayatras across several districts. They demanded that the Assam government withdraw its proposal. Meanwhile, police stopped protesters from marching beyond the Congress office in Guwahati’s Dispur area. The party has also announced plans to continue its agitation over the issue.
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Key Facts
- Date: August 29
- State: Assam
- Main issue: Proposed reduction of Kaziranga’s Eco-Sensitive Zone
- Proposed ESZ: 1 km to 3 km instead of the default 10 km
- Protesting party: Assam Congress
- Key leaders: Wazed Ali Choudhury, Ripun Bora and Mira Borthakur
- Government’s argument: Protecting the interests and livelihoods of local villagers
Congress Holds Protests Across Assam
The Assam Congress organised demonstrations in Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Hailakandi, Karimganj, Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat. Congress workers marched through district headquarters and raised slogans against the government’s proposal.
In Guwahati, Leader of Opposition Wazed Ali Choudhury joined former MP Ripun Bora, state women’s wing president Mira Borthakur and other party leaders.
However, police stopped the protesters from leaving the Congress office in Dispur. Some Congress workers then tried to cross the barricades and enter the streets.
Choudhury said the Congress would continue its campaign until the government reverses the proposal. He also accused the BJP-led government of putting Kaziranga’s interests at risk.
Meanwhile, Bora and Borthakur said the Congress would intensify its campaign across Assam. They also called for greater public awareness about the proposed changes.
Why Has the ESZ Proposal Sparked Controversy?
The dispute centres on the Assam government’s plan to approach the Centre to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga National Park.
The government wants to reduce the ESZ from the default 10-km limit to between 1 km and 3 km in certain areas. This proposal has triggered strong opposition from political parties and environmental groups.
Eco-Sensitive Zones provide a protective buffer around important ecological areas. Authorities regulate, restrict or prohibit certain activities within these zones depending on their environmental impact.
Therefore, environmentalists fear that a smaller ESZ could increase development pressure around Kaziranga. They have particularly raised concerns about commercial mining and tourism activities.
Concerns Over Wildlife and Elephant Corridors
Environmental groups have also highlighted the importance of the adjoining Karbi Anglong hills. The area serves as an important elephant corridor and supports wildlife movement.
According to environmental concerns raised over the proposal, a narrower ESZ could increase pressure on wildlife habitats. It could also contribute to human-animal conflict if development expands closer to protected areas.
Moreover, Kaziranga remains one of India’s most important wildlife landscapes. The UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts tourists from across India and abroad while supporting a rich variety of biodiversity.
Assam Government Defends Its Proposal
However, the Assam government has defended the proposed ESZ changes. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the move aims to protect the interests and livelihoods of villagers who live within the existing ESZ.
The government has argued that restrictions under the current ESZ can affect communities living around Kaziranga. Therefore, it wants to review the existing limits while considering the needs of local residents.
The issue has now developed into a major political and environmental debate in Assam. While the Congress and environmental groups want stronger protection around Kaziranga, the state government has stressed the importance of balancing conservation with the needs of local communities.
What Happened on August 29?
The Assam Congress organised statewide protests and padayatras against the proposed reduction of the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga National Park.
What Is the Proposed ESZ Change?
The Assam government plans to seek approval to reduce the ESZ around Kaziranga from the default 10-km limit to approximately 1 km to 3 km in certain areas.
Why Are Environmentalists Concerned?
Environmentalists fear that a smaller ESZ could encourage greater commercial and development activity around Kaziranga. They also worry about its impact on wildlife corridors and human-animal conflict.
What Does the Assam Government Say?
The government says the proposal aims to protect the livelihoods and interests of villagers living within the existing ESZ.
Location Context
Kaziranga National Park remains a major ecological landmark in Assam and Northeast India. Its forests, wetlands and wildlife corridors support significant biodiversity. Consequently, any change to the protective zone around the park could have implications for conservation, tourism and communities living nearby.
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