Concerns Raised Over Illegal Hill-Cutting Near Kaziranga National Park

Dispur, India Aug 30, 2026 ALN: Amid the ongoing controversy over the extent of Kaziranga’s Eco-Sensitive Zone, illegal hill-cutting activities are reportedly continuing in the foothill areas of the Karbi Hills adjoining Kaziranga National Park. This situation raises significant environmental concerns, particularly given the park's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is renowned for its biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

Kaziranga National Park, located in the northeastern state of Assam, India, is home to the world's largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, along with a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and numerous species of birds. The park spans over 430 square kilometers and is situated on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, making it a crucial habitat for many species. The surrounding areas, including the Karbi Hills, play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of this region.

The All Tai Ahom Students’ Association (ATASU) has alleged that hill excavation using JCB machines is being carried out openly in the Karbi Hills near the World Heritage Site, despite restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court. This raises questions about the enforcement of environmental regulations and the ability of local authorities to protect sensitive ecological zones from illegal activities.

The Supreme Court of India has previously recognized the importance of protecting the environment and has issued orders aimed at preventing illegal mining and excavation activities that threaten biodiversity. The ongoing illegal hill-cutting activities near Kaziranga not only contravene these legal frameworks but also pose a significant threat to the surrounding ecosystem, which is already vulnerable due to climate change and human encroachment.

ATASU has expressed strong concern over what it described as the destruction of the Karbi Hills through illegal excavation allegedly taking place near Kaziranga under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. The organization’s alarm reflects a broader apprehension among local communities and environmental activists regarding the potential long-term impacts of such activities on wildlife habitats and local water sources.

The Golaghat district committee of ATASU submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division at Bokakhat, demanding an immediate halt to the alleged illegal hill excavation in the Karbi Hills adjoining Kaziranga National Park. The submission of this memorandum highlights the role of civil society organizations in advocating for environmental protection and their willingness to hold authorities accountable for enforcing regulations designed to safeguard natural resources.

The memorandum, signed by ATASU Golaghat district president Pankaj Gogoi, working president Diganta Gogoi, and joint secretaries Ankur Konwar and Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan, stated that the organization had recently noticed a sharp increase in alleged illegal hill excavation in the Karbi Anglong hills bordering Kaziranga National Park. This increase is particularly concerning given the fragile nature of the ecosystem in this area, which could be irrevocably damaged if such activities continue unchecked.

ATASU demanded that the Forest Department immediately stop the alleged hill-cutting activities. The organization warned that failure to do so would prompt its Golaghat district committee to launch a democratic movement with the support of local residents. This potential mobilization underscores the importance of community involvement in environmental governance and the power of grassroots movements in influencing policy decisions.

The district secretary of ATASU stated that copies of the memorandum submitted to the Forest Division at Bokakhat had also been forwarded to the Chief Minister of Assam and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. By escalating their concerns to higher levels of government, ATASU aims to ensure that the issue receives the attention it deserves from decision-makers who have the authority to implement and enforce environmental protections.

Speaking to journalists, ATASU Golaghat district assistant secretary Shankar Bora said the government should not permit hill excavation under any circumstances. He also alleged that some persons involved in excavation activities near Kaziranga had threatened ATASU workers. Such intimidation tactics not only hinder the efforts of organizations like ATASU but also raise serious ethical concerns regarding the treatment of individuals advocating for environmental protection.

The implications of illegal hill-cutting extend beyond immediate environmental degradation. The alteration of landscapes can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of local water cycles, which can impact agriculture and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these natural resources. Additionally, the destruction of hills can exacerbate the effects of flooding in the region, particularly during the monsoon season, which poses risks not only to wildlife but also to human populations living in proximity to the park.

The ongoing situation highlights the need for stronger enforcement of environmental laws and a collaborative approach to conservation that involves local communities, government agencies, and civil society organizations. It is essential for stakeholders to work together to develop sustainable practices that protect both the environment and the rights of local residents. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor the responses from the Forest Department and the government to address these concerns and to ensure the preservation of Kaziranga National Park and its surrounding ecosystems.