Assam Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika has clarified that the boundary of Kaziranga National Park will remain unchanged amid discussions over rationalisation of its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
Hazarika said the proposed changes concern areas outside the national park and aim to address the livelihood and development needs of local communities while protecting the park’s conservation interests.
The minister said the ESZ is calculated from the boundary of the national park, not its core area. The government is proposing an ESZ ranging from 1 to 3 km from the park boundary, in line with Supreme Court guidelines.
He said the proposal would facilitate essential development activities for local and indigenous communities, including construction of homes and healthcare facilities, while retaining environmental safeguards.
Hazarika also highlighted restrictions faced by indigenous communities living around the protected area in carrying out basic construction and development work.
He reiterated that Kaziranga National Park remains untouched and its boundary is not being altered. The proposed exercise, he said, seeks to define the ESZ clearly while balancing conservation with the developmental needs of communities living around the park.
