Introduction
The Government of Assam announced on 16 August 2026 that it will submit a formal proposal to the Central Government to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) surrounding the world-famous Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) from the prevailing 10 kilometres to a standardized 1-kilometre buffer, in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines.
Judicial Background and Balancing Conservation
The proposed boundary restructuring follows key Supreme Court environmental rulings:
- Supreme Court June 2022 Order: Mandated that every protected forest, national park, and wildlife sanctuary across India must have a mandatory minimum 1 km Eco-Sensitive Zone.
- April 2023 Modification: The apex court clarified that uniform 10 km boundaries could hamper genuine rural infrastructure, local livelihoods, and agriculture, permitting state-specific 1 km demarcations while maintaining strict bans on commercial mining within 1 km of protected boundaries.
- Development vs Rhino Conservation: The Assam government stated the 1 km ESZ will facilitate infrastructure and eco-tourism development while ensuring inviolate protection for the endangered Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).
Key Facts
- Protected Area: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site, Assam)
- Policy Proposal: Reducing Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) from 10 km to 1 km
- Judicial Basis: Supreme Court orders of June 2022 and April 2023
- Key Inhabitant: World's largest population of Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros
- Approval Authority: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Exam Perspective
For TNPSC and UPSC examinations, this topic covers Environment & Ecology, Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ under EPA 1986), Supreme Court Environmental Jurisprudence, and Kaziranga National Park in GS Paper III.
Conclusion
The proposal reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing local infrastructural development with the stringent ecological safeguards required for UNESCO World Heritage wildlife reserves.