BOKAKHAT, Aug. 8: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has outlined several proposed development initiatives for Bokakhat and said the state government plans to rationalise the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park.
During his visit to Bokakhat, Sarma said the government was examining infrastructure requirements in the area, including the development of a stadium and improvements to civic infrastructure.
He said preliminary discussions had been held on the proposed projects and that he would visit Bokakhat again to review the requirements before finalising plans.
Sarma also highlighted the ESZ around Kaziranga as a key factor affecting development activities in areas surrounding the national park. He said the zone currently extended up to 10 km by default as it had not been formally notified.
According to Sarma, the state government would submit a proposal to the Centre within the next two months for formal notification and demarcation of the zone.
“Once there is a proper notification, the eco-sensitive zone will be reduced to one kilometre, which will significantly ease many of the existing constraints,” he said.
He added that several pending issues concerning the region had already been addressed, with some proposals either denotified or finalised.
Sarma said formal demarcation of the ESZ would provide greater clarity on the regulatory framework and facilitate development projects in and around Bokakhat.
The proposed move is expected to have implications for infrastructure and other development activities in areas adjoining Kaziranga, where restrictions associated with the ESZ have remained a longstanding concern for local authorities and residents.
