NAZIRA, August 18, 2026 — The Communist Party of India (CPI) has opposed the Assam government’s reported move to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and demanded that the proposal be withdrawn.
In a statement, CPI Assam State Council Secretary Kanak Gogoi said reports indicate that the government proposes to limit the ESZ to between 1 and 3 km at different locations, instead of the existing default 10-km framework.
The CPI alleged that reducing the protected buffer in the name of development could benefit large corporate interests at the cost of Kaziranga’s ecological security.
“A policy that compromises the protection of Kaziranga in the interests of handing over land to large corporate groups such as Adani and Ambani is completely unacceptable,” Gogoi said.
The party said Kaziranga’s ecological significance extends beyond its core boundary. The surrounding forests, wetlands and wildlife corridors are important for elephants, tigers, wild buffaloes, birds and other species, it said.
According to the CPI, the ESZ acts as a buffer between protected areas, human settlements and development activities. Shrinking it could increase pressure from construction, commercial activities, mining, industries and infrastructure projects, leading to habitat fragmentation, disruption of wildlife corridors and increased human-wildlife conflict.
The party also referred to information submitted before the Gauhati High Court in March 2026, stating that there was then no final ESZ notification or draft proposal submitted to the Centre, while the 10-km provision remained in effect.
The CPI demanded that any decision on Kaziranga’s ESZ be based on scientific assessment, transparency and public consultation. It called for stronger protection of wildlife corridors, adjoining forests and wetlands and stringent environmental assessments for projects that could affect the region.
The party urged the Assam government to withdraw the reported proposal and ensure that both ecological protection and the legitimate rights and livelihoods of local communities are safeguarded.
“Kaziranga is not merely a tourism destination; it is an integral part of Assam’s natural existence. No move to weaken its ecological protection in the name of development will be accepted,” Gogoi said.
Freelance journalist, Nazira, Sibasagar district.
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