Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday defended the proposed reduction of the default 10-km eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park, saying the move was being made in accordance with Supreme Court directions and would protect the interests of local residents.
Sarma said retaining a 10-km ESZ could affect people living between Bokakhat and Kaliabor, as well as economic establishments such as Numaligarh Refinery. He said residents had already approached the Supreme Court over restrictions that could affect their homes, livelihoods and businesses.
The Chief Minister criticised Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi for opposing the proposed change, saying the issue concerned the people living around Kaziranga rather than the state government. He said the ESZ would be reduced to between 1 km and 3 km in accordance with the court’s guidelines.
On the proposal involving Vantara, Sarma said the organisation had offered technical assistance to help Assam establish hospitals for injured elephants, rather than operating hospitals itself. He said the government would examine the proposal before taking a decision.
