AS CITIZENS OF ASSAM AND INDIA, IT IS OUR COLLECTIVE DUTY TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT.
> WE STRONGLY OPPOSE ANY GOVERNMENT DECISION THAT THREATENS NATURE. WE REFUSE TO SACRIFICE OUR FORESTS, MOUNTAINS, AND WILDLIFE.
> KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK IS THE PRIDE OF OUR NATION.
> CARING FOR IT IS NOT SOMEONE ELSE'S JOB—IT IS THE DUTY OF EVERY SINGLE CITIZEN.
> IF WE STAY SILENT NOW, WE RISK LOSING THESE IRREPLACEABLE GEMS FOREVER.
> TO THOSE DRIVEN BY GREED: REMEMBER THAT YOU CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT OXYGEN FOR EVEN A MINUTE.
> STOP DESTROYING THE ENVIRONMENT THAT KEEPS US ALIVE.

For years, whenever I travel through the splendid Kaziranga National Park on my way to Upper Assam, I am struck with awe at the lush greenery and the rich wildlife that roam free in one of India's most treasured wildlife sanctuaries. The sight of majestic rhinos and elephants is a reminder of nature's grandeur, and the serenity of the park provides solace away from the bustle of daily life.

It is distressing to hear, however, that the ECO-sensitive zone surrounding Kaziranga, which is crucial for protecting its fragile ecosystem, is set to be reduced from 10 km to a mere 1 km. This drastic reduction poses significant risks to the habitat of local wildlife and the overall health of the environment. Less buffer area may lead to increased human interference, escalating conflicts between wildlife and local communities, and potentially causing irreversible harm to the rich biodiversity of the region.

Kaziranga National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinoceroses, along with significant populations of tigers, elephants, and numerous bird species. These animals rely not just on the core area of the park but also on the surrounding buffer regions for migration, foraging, and breeding. Reducing the ECO-sensitive zone as proposed could lead to habitat fragmentation and undermine conservation efforts that have been ongoing for decades.

Detailed studies by environmental organizations such as the Wildlife Institute of India underscore that maintaining an adequate buffer zone is vital for conserving biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods that depend on this rich natural resource. Shrinking this zone can also impact the park's ability to act as a natural carbon sink, exacerbating climate change concerns and affecting local weather patterns.

We urge the relevant authorities, including the Government of Assam, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and local administrations, to reconsider this decision. Instead of reducing the ECO-sensitive zone, they should fortify the protective measures and look towards sustainable development models that prioritize environmental conservation alongside socio-economic growth.

Please sign this petition to voice your support for preserving the integrity of Kaziranga National Park. Together, we can ensure that this natural heritage is preserved not just for our joy and solace today, but for generations to come.