Guwahati, Aug 17: Accusing the Assam government of attempting to provide legal cover to illegal coal mining and open the door for large-scale mining projects around Kaziranga, the Congress, on Monday, opposed the proposed reduction of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Staging a protest near the national park, the members of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) alleged that the ruling BJP government is prioritising corporate interests over environmental conservation and wildlife protection in the state.
“After the devastation and havoc caused in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat due to illegal coal mining in Nagaland, we thought the Chief Minister would take it as a lesson. Instead, his focus is on providing legal protection to illegal coal mining and on enabling large mining operations in the Karbi Anglong hills. That is why they want to alter the eco-sensitive zone,” alleged APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi.
The Congress leader argued that shrinking the eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga from 10 km to 1 km could have serious implications for wildlife, particularly during annual floods.
“When floods hit Kaziranga, animals do not recognise a 1 km or 2 km boundary. They move to nearby villages, tea gardens and other areas to save themselves. If mining activities, crushers and quarries surround the park, where will these animals go?” he asked.
Gogoi further claimed that such a move could aggravate human-elephant conflict and accused the government of ignoring local concerns.
He also referred to the case of indigenous rights activist Pranab Doley, alleging that those raising their voices against such projects are being targeted.
“When activists like Pranab Doley raised their voice, they face the NSA (National Security Act) under false allegations and remain imprisoned for months,” he said.
Questioning the Centre's response to Assam's recurring flood crises, Gogoi said that while a proposed elevated corridor near Kaziranga is estimated to cost around Rs 7,000 crore, flood management and embankment protection had not received comparable financial attention.
“The Union government has released only Rs 324 crore in advance, that too from our own State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), for tackling floods. If there are funds for a Rs 7,000-crore elevated corridor, why cannot similar resources be mobilised for flood protection and embankments?” he asked.
Speaking at the protest, senior Congress leader and president of Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress Mira Borthakur said Kaziranga's global identity is rooted in its biodiversity and wildlife rather than large-scale commercial infrastructure.
“Which development are they talking about if biodiversity itself cannot be sustained? We need development, but not at the cost of wildlife and nature,” she said.
Following the demonstration, Gogoi visited the residence of Doley at Ingle Pathar near Kaziranga.
Gogoi met Doley's father and alleged that the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government has slapped a false sedition case against the activist for defending indigenous land rights.
He also assured the family that the Congress would extend all necessary legal assistance in the case.