Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 12 clarified the state’s position on the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park, saying the Supreme Court’s direction does not automatically reduce the existing 10-kilometre buffer. He told reporters the 10-km provision will remain in force until the state government formally notifies a new ESZ, at which point the distance specified in that notification will apply.
At the press conference, Sarma noted the Supreme Court has indicated an ESZ “within 1 kilometre,” but stressed this does not amount to an immediate shrinking of the current radius. “This is not about reducing the existing zone. Until the State Government notifies the Eco-Sensitive Zone, the 10-kilometre provision will continue to apply. The moment the State Government notifies the ESZ, the notified distance will apply,” he said.
Sarma warned that retaining a 10-km ESZ around Kaziranga could affect several populated areas, naming Kaliabor, Dabhaka, Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat, and said many residents might face difficulties if restrictions remain in place over those settlements.
He urged the public and stakeholders to read the Supreme Court order carefully rather than drawing conclusions from partial information. “A lot of people are saying many things without properly understanding the issue. So, we need to carefully read and understand the Supreme Court’s order,” Sarma said.
Explaining the formal process for setting an ESZ, Sarma said the Forest Department will prepare a proposal that the state government will forward to the Centre. The Central Government will then send the proposal to the National Board for Wildlife for consideration and approval.
Sarma described the typical approach to ESZs as keeping them within a 1-km radius in many cases, though he acknowledged that the zone can be extended up to 3 km depending on local circumstances. To illustrate variability, he cited the recent notification of the ESZ around Deepor Beel, which was set at one kilometre.
Reiterating his central point, the chief minister said the existing 10-km provision remains applicable until a formal notification is issued, after which the notified distance will prevail. An ESZ, he implied, will be determined through the formal proposal and approval process rather than by immediate judicial interpretation alone.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/10-km-esz-around-kaziranga-would-affect-kaliabor-jakhalabandha-bokakhat-assam-cm-1436755-2026-08-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-08-12 13:07:00
