Save Kaziranga: Reject the Proposal to Reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone from 10 km to 1 km

Kaziranga National Park is one of India's most important wildlife habitats and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers and many other species.

 

The existing 10-km Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga is currently operating as the default protection because a final site-specific ESZ notification has not yet been issued. The Assam government is now considering a proposal to reduce the protected buffer to as little as 1 km.

 

We believe this decision deserves careful, independent scientific review before any reduction is approved.

 

Kaziranga is not simply a park with a boundary. During floods, wildlife depends on surrounding higher ground and natural corridors outside the core park area. A much narrower buffer could increase pressure from construction, infrastructure, mining and other activities close to wildlife habitat.

 

We support responsible development and the needs of local communities. But development should not come at the cost of wildlife corridors, flood escape routes and the long-term ecological security of Kaziranga.

 

We therefore call upon the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the National Board for Wildlife and the Government of Assam to ensure that any change to the ESZ is based on transparent, independent ecological and flood-risk studies and meaningful public consultation.

 

OUR DEMANDS:

 

1. Do not reduce Kaziranga's ESZ to 1 km without an independent scientific assessment.

 

2. Conduct a transparent ecological and floodplain study covering wildlife corridors, animal movement routes and important habitats.

 

3. Protect identified elephant, rhino and other wildlife corridors around Kaziranga.

 

4. Ensure that infrastructure and development projects are located away from critical wildlife corridors and flood escape areas.

 

5. Make the proposed ESZ map and scientific studies publicly available for citizens, experts and conservation organisations to review.

 

6. Balance the legitimate development needs of local communities with the long-term protection of Kaziranga's wildlife and ecosystem.

 

Kaziranga belongs not only to Assam or India, but is a natural heritage of the world.

 

We urge the authorities to choose a scientifically responsible path and ensure that development and conservation move forward together.

 

Please sign and share this petition to help protect Kaziranga for future generations.