Congress Protests Against Proposed Reduction of Kaziranga's Eco-Sensitive Zone

Dispur, India Aug 29, 2026 ALN: Guwahati/Nalbari, Aug 29: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) staged statewide protests on Saturday against the Assam government’s proposed move to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve from 10 km to 1 km. This significant reduction has sparked widespread concern among environmentalists, local communities, and political parties alike, as it raises questions about the future of one of India's most renowned wildlife sanctuaries.

The protests were marked by padyatras and demonstrations in several districts, including Sonitpur, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Hailakandi, and Karimganj, among others. The Congress party alleges that reducing the ESZ would threaten wildlife corridors, forests, wetlands, and the region’s biodiversity, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the world's largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, along with a rich variety of other flora and fauna. The ESZ is designed to act as a buffer zone, protecting the park from external pressures such as urbanization, industrialization, and agriculture, which can lead to habitat destruction and increased human-wildlife conflict.

In Guwahati, Congress leaders and workers staged a demonstration at the Manabendra Sarma Complex in Dispur. The presence of security personnel highlighted the government's awareness of the potential for unrest over this contentious issue. Addressing the protesters, Assam Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur questioned the government’s approach to development, alleging that commercial interests are being prioritized over Kaziranga’s ecological security. Her remarks underscore a growing sentiment among environmental advocates that economic development should not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

Borthakur emphasized the need for a balanced approach to development, stating, “We need development, but the Chief Minister’s definition of development is different.” This statement reflects a broader debate in India regarding the need for sustainable development practices that prioritize ecological integrity alongside economic growth.

She further noted that the Supreme Court had not directed the State to reduce Kaziranga’s ESZ to 1 km but had stipulated a minimum protection zone of one kilometer. This distinction is critical, as it suggests that the government’s proposed reduction may not align with judicial guidelines aimed at protecting the park's ecological integrity.

“Kaziranga is Assam’s future and pride. The wildlife of Kaziranga cannot come out and hold placards. It is we who have to carry placards saying ‘Save Kaziranga’ and protest for their safety,” Borthakur said, highlighting the responsibility of the human population to advocate for wildlife protection. She appealed to people across Assam to recognize the consequences of ecological degradation, referring to recent disasters in Nepal and floods in Upper Assam as warnings of what can happen when natural systems are disrupted.

“If we fail to sustain our hills, vegetation, and ecological balance, we will not survive for long. We have to save Kaziranga to keep both ourselves and wildlife alive,” she warned, pointing to the impact of unchecked mining and the destruction of the Karbi Anglong hills, which are vital to the region's ecological health.

Senior Congress leader Ripun Bora raised allegations regarding delays and irregularities in the distribution of interim flood relief and demanded a CBI investigation into the matter. The political climate in Assam has been fraught with tension surrounding flood management and disaster response, particularly in light of the frequent and severe flooding that affects many districts annually.

Bora alleged irregularities in the disbursal of the Rs 15,000 interim assistance and sought clarification from the State government. “If the Assam Chief Minister is responsible towards the people of Assam, then we demand a proper CBI investigation into the delay and alleged corruption in the distribution of interim relief aid to flood-affected families,” Bora stated, indicating a potential overlap between environmental issues and governance challenges.

In Sonitpur, Congress workers staged similar protests against the proposed ESZ reduction. Congress leader Bedabrata Bora alleged that the government is attempting to hand over Assam’s natural resources to “syndicates,” emphasizing that every citizen has a responsibility to protect Kaziranga and the State’s indigenous assets. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the commodification of natural resources and the role of governance in safeguarding public interests against private exploitation.

“The APCC is determined to fight against any attempt to damage the UNESCO World Heritage Site and will continue its statewide demonstrations,” Bora asserted, indicating that this issue is likely to remain a focal point of political discourse in Assam.

In Hajo, the Hajo-Sualkuchi Block Congress organized a padyatra from Satdala Chowk to the Hajo Revenue Circle office. Workers raised slogans such as “Save Kaziranga, Save the Environment” and “We want development, but not at the cost of destroying nature.” These slogans encapsulate the dual aspirations of local communities for economic progress while also advocating for environmental stewardship.

Congress leader Bhavesh Das expressed concerns that the proposed reduction could pose a threat to endangered wildlife and biodiversity. “If human-animal conflict is to be reduced, wildlife must have adequate space for free movement. Instead of protecting and expanding ecological spaces, the government is seeking to reduce the zone to 1 km,” he said, alleging that the move could open surrounding areas to industrial activities and mining, which would further exacerbate the challenges faced by wildlife.

The APCC stated it would continue its agitation against the proposed reduction of Kaziranga’s ESZ and called on citizens to join its campaign to protect the State’s natural heritage. The political mobilization seen in these protests highlights a growing awareness among citizens about the interconnectedness of environmental health and community well-being, as well as the need for responsible governance that prioritizes ecological sustainability alongside economic development.