Save Kaziranga : protect its wildlife and eco- sensitive Zone
The Issue
Kaziranga National Park is one of India's most important natural treasures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, wild buffalo, deer, and many other animals.
I am writing this petition because I am concerned about the future of Kaziranga and the wildlife that depends on it.
In August 2026, news reports stated that the Assam Government planned to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga from the existing 10-km interim limit to approximately 1–3 km.An Eco-Sensitive Zone helps control activities around protected forests. It provides additional protection against activities that could damage wildlife habitats and the environment.
The proposed change raises important questions. Have we studied its effects on wildlife? Will the animal movement routes remain safe? What will happen to the wetlands, forests, and villages around Kaziranga?
I believe these questions must be answered before the government makes a final decision.
1. Wildlife corridors are at risk
Every year, during the monsoon season, large parts of Kaziranga are affected by floods.Animals such as rhinos, elephants, and deer move towards the higher ground of the Karbi Anglong hills to escape floodwater.These routes are important for their survival.
If new roads, buildings, mining activities, or other developments block these corridors, animals could face greater risks.The protection of these routes must be a priority.
2. Loss of forests, wetlands, and natural habitats
The land around Kaziranga is important for the wider ecosystem.Forests, grasslands, and wetlands provide food, shelter, and movement routes for wildlife.Reducing the ESZ could increase development pressure on these areas.Without proper environmental controls, this could cause habitat loss, water pollution, and damage to natural drainage systems.
3. Increased human-wildlife conflict
Wild animals do not recognise administrative boundaries.When their habitats or movement routes are disturbed, they may enter villages and agricultural land more often.This could increase conflict between people and wildlife.Protecting wildlife corridors also helps protect the people living near Kaziranga.
4. Mining, quarrying, and construction
Mining and stone quarrying can cause dust, noise, and damage to land and water systems.Heavy traffic and construction near wildlife habitats can also disturb animals.A smaller ESZ should not result in the removal of important environmental safeguards.All proposed activities must follow the applicable environmental laws.
5. what does the Gauhati high court say?
On 12 March 2026, the Gauhati High Court considered issues related to stone quarrying near Kaziranga in the case:- Jiten Engjai vs Union of India and Others, WP(C)/6479/2025.
The court recorded that the 10-km interim ESZ protection was operative at that time because the State Government had not submitted a draft or final ESZ notification to the Central Government.The court also discussed earlier Supreme Court directions concerning mining restrictions and nine identified animal corridors near Kaziranga.This order did not permanently fix the ESZ at 10 km. However, it shows that the existing legal protections must be considered when reviewing a new proposal.
Court order:
https://indiankanoon.org/doc/186750022/
6. Supreme Court directions
The Supreme Court has issued important directions concerning Eco-Sensitive Zones under the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India proceedings.The orders dated 3 June 2022 and 26 April 2023 address ESZ boundaries, mining restrictions, and environmental protection.These directions must be read together with later court orders and applicable government notifications.Any change to Kaziranga's ESZ must follow the current legal requirements.
7. What have the news reports said?
Several news organisations reported the Assam Government's proposal in August 2026.
The Assam Tribune — 8 August 2026
The report explained that the government wanted a smaller ESZ to support infrastructure and development around Bokakhat.
NDTV — 13 August 2026
NDTV reported that the Assam Government planned to seek Central Government approval to reduce the ESZ from the existing 10-km interim limit to 1 km.
The Tribune — 18 August 2026
The report described concerns about the possible effects of a smaller ESZ on wetlands, floodplains, and wildlife protection.https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/kaziranga-eco-sensitive-zone-reduction-bid-triggers-controversy-in-assam/
These reports describe a proposal. They do not establish that a final reduction has been approved.
8. Development is important, but wildlife protection is also important
I understand that people living around Kaziranga need better roads, hospitals, schools, employment, and other facilities.
Their concerns deserve attention.
However, development should be planned carefully so that it does not destroy wildlife habitats or block important animal corridors.We need solutions that protect both local communities and the environment.What are we asking the government to do?
Through this petition, I request the Government of Assam and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to:
1. Do not approve a smaller ESZ until an independent scientific assessment is complete.
2. Protect all important wildlife corridors between Kaziranga and the Karbi Anglong hills.
3. Publish the proposed ESZ boundary maps and environmental studies.
4. Consult local residents, scientists, wildlife experts, and conservation organisations.
5. Maintain strict controls on harmful mining, quarrying, and construction.
6. Protect forests, wetlands, rivers, and natural floodwater routes.
7. Support responsible development that meets the needs of local communities.
Why your signature matters
Kaziranga is not only important for Assam. It is an important part of India's natural heritage.We have a responsibility to protect its wildlife and natural environment for future generations.Once a natural habitat is destroyed, it can be very difficult to restore.
I am asking the government to examine the scientific evidence, listen to the people affected, and protect Kaziranga before making a final decision.
Please sign and share this petition. Let us protect Kaziranga, its wildlife, and its future.
#SaveKaziranga #ProtectWildlife #EcoSensitiveZone #Assam #KazirangaNationalPark
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The Issue
Kaziranga National Park is one of India's most important natural treasures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, wild buffalo, deer, and many other animals.
I am writing this petition because I am concerned about the future of Kaziranga and the wildlife that depends on it.
In August 2026, news reports stated that the Assam Government planned to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga from the existing 10-km interim limit to approximately 1–3 km.An Eco-Sensitive Zone helps control activities around protected forests. It provides additional protection against activities that could damage wildlife habitats and the environment.
The proposed change raises important questions. Have we studied its effects on wildlife? Will the animal movement routes remain safe? What will happen to the wetlands, forests, and villages around Kaziranga?
I believe these questions must be answered before the government makes a final decision.
1. Wildlife corridors are at risk
Every year, during the monsoon season, large parts of Kaziranga are affected by floods.Animals such as rhinos, elephants, and deer move towards the higher ground of the Karbi Anglong hills to escape floodwater.These routes are important for their survival.
If new roads, buildings, mining activities, or other developments block these corridors, animals could face greater risks.The protection of these routes must be a priority.
2. Loss of forests, wetlands, and natural habitats
The land around Kaziranga is important for the wider ecosystem.Forests, grasslands, and wetlands provide food, shelter, and movement routes for wildlife.Reducing the ESZ could increase development pressure on these areas.Without proper environmental controls, this could cause habitat loss, water pollution, and damage to natural drainage systems.
3. Increased human-wildlife conflict
Wild animals do not recognise administrative boundaries.When their habitats or movement routes are disturbed, they may enter villages and agricultural land more often.This could increase conflict between people and wildlife.Protecting wildlife corridors also helps protect the people living near Kaziranga.
4. Mining, quarrying, and construction
Mining and stone quarrying can cause dust, noise, and damage to land and water systems.Heavy traffic and construction near wildlife habitats can also disturb animals.A smaller ESZ should not result in the removal of important environmental safeguards.All proposed activities must follow the applicable environmental laws.
5. what does the Gauhati high court say?
On 12 March 2026, the Gauhati High Court considered issues related to stone quarrying near Kaziranga in the case:- Jiten Engjai vs Union of India and Others, WP(C)/6479/2025.
The court recorded that the 10-km interim ESZ protection was operative at that time because the State Government had not submitted a draft or final ESZ notification to the Central Government.The court also discussed earlier Supreme Court directions concerning mining restrictions and nine identified animal corridors near Kaziranga.This order did not permanently fix the ESZ at 10 km. However, it shows that the existing legal protections must be considered when reviewing a new proposal.
Court order:
https://indiankanoon.org/doc/186750022/
6. Supreme Court directions
The Supreme Court has issued important directions concerning Eco-Sensitive Zones under the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India proceedings.The orders dated 3 June 2022 and 26 April 2023 address ESZ boundaries, mining restrictions, and environmental protection.These directions must be read together with later court orders and applicable government notifications.Any change to Kaziranga's ESZ must follow the current legal requirements.
7. What have the news reports said?
Several news organisations reported the Assam Government's proposal in August 2026.
The Assam Tribune — 8 August 2026
The report explained that the government wanted a smaller ESZ to support infrastructure and development around Bokakhat.
NDTV — 13 August 2026
NDTV reported that the Assam Government planned to seek Central Government approval to reduce the ESZ from the existing 10-km interim limit to 1 km.
The Tribune — 18 August 2026
The report described concerns about the possible effects of a smaller ESZ on wetlands, floodplains, and wildlife protection.https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/kaziranga-eco-sensitive-zone-reduction-bid-triggers-controversy-in-assam/
These reports describe a proposal. They do not establish that a final reduction has been approved.
8. Development is important, but wildlife protection is also important
I understand that people living around Kaziranga need better roads, hospitals, schools, employment, and other facilities.
Their concerns deserve attention.
However, development should be planned carefully so that it does not destroy wildlife habitats or block important animal corridors.We need solutions that protect both local communities and the environment.What are we asking the government to do?
Through this petition, I request the Government of Assam and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to:
1. Do not approve a smaller ESZ until an independent scientific assessment is complete.
2. Protect all important wildlife corridors between Kaziranga and the Karbi Anglong hills.
3. Publish the proposed ESZ boundary maps and environmental studies.
4. Consult local residents, scientists, wildlife experts, and conservation organisations.
5. Maintain strict controls on harmful mining, quarrying, and construction.
6. Protect forests, wetlands, rivers, and natural floodwater routes.
7. Support responsible development that meets the needs of local communities.
Why your signature matters
Kaziranga is not only important for Assam. It is an important part of India's natural heritage.We have a responsibility to protect its wildlife and natural environment for future generations.Once a natural habitat is destroyed, it can be very difficult to restore.
I am asking the government to examine the scientific evidence, listen to the people affected, and protect Kaziranga before making a final decision.
Please sign and share this petition. Let us protect Kaziranga, its wildlife, and its future.
#SaveKaziranga #ProtectWildlife #EcoSensitiveZone #Assam #KazirangaNationalPark
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Petition created on 10 November 2026