I have always been in awe of the magnificent beauty and biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park, a sanctuary that is not only a jewel of Assam but a critical habitat for the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and other precious wildlife. When I first learned that the government plans to shrink the eco-sensitive zone around this sanctuary from 10 kilometers to just 1 kilometer, my heart sank. This decision, fueled by ambitions to build a five-star hotel and a stadium, poses a significant threat to the wildlife and the delicate ecosystems of Kaziranga.

Kaziranga National Park, established as a protected area under government jurisdiction, has long stood as a symbol of our commitment to conservation and biodiversity. In recent years, however, we have witnessed unprecedented violations of the sanctity of our natural habitats driven by industrial and urban growth. The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sharma's decision serves as a stark reminder of this growing change in priorities. But I ask myself, if the government can so easily violate the rights of animals and the safety of their habitats, what does this mean for all of us and our future on this planet?

The ecological integrity of Kaziranga's diverse habitat hinges on maintaining the current extent of its eco-sensitive zone. This buffer zone is crucial for reducing human-wildlife conflicts, ensuring safe migratory corridors for wildlife, and preserving the park's ecological functions. Studies have shown that constricting these zones leads to increased encroachment, endangering not just the rhinoceroses but many other species including elephants, tigers, and numerous bird species that rely on this natural space for survival. According to the IUCN, eco-sensitive zones serve as a cushion to minimize disturbances of core areas of wildlife, demonstrating their indispensable role in conservation.

Furthermore, Kaziranga's preservation significantly contributes to the local economy, primarily through eco-tourism. By shrinking the protective zone, we risk losing the natural allure that draws thousands of visitors each year, who contribute to the livelihood of local communities dependent on sustainable tourism. The move to construct luxury developments might offer short-term economic promises but will inevitably lead to long-term ecological and economic losses that are irreparable once the natural balance is disturbed.

We cannot, in good conscience, allow such a decision to proceed without raising our voices in unified dissent. In preserving Kaziranga, we uphold our collective pledge to safeguard the natural world for future generations. Let us demand that the government expands rather than reduces Kaziranga's eco-sensitive zone, ensuring the protection of its invaluable wildlife and ecosystems.

Join me in speaking out to protect Kaziranga National Park. I urge you to sign this petition and call on the Chief Minister of Assam and other governing bodies to reconsider this harmful decision.