Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 12 said the Supreme Court’s direction on the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park does not mean that the existing 10-km provision has been immediately reduced.
Speaking at a press conference, Sarma said the 10-km provision would continue to remain in force until the Assam government formally notifies the ESZ. The distance specified in the state’s eventual notification would then become applicable.
Sarma said the Supreme Court had directed that the ESZ would fall within one kilometre, but clarified that the direction should not be interpreted as an immediate alteration of the existing arrangement.
He said maintaining a 10-km ESZ around Kaziranga could bring several populated areas within its ambit, including Kaliabor, Dabhaka, Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. According to the chief minister, this could create difficulties for a large number of residents living in these areas.
Sarma also appealed to people and stakeholders to read the Supreme Court order carefully before concluding its implications.
Explaining the notification process, he said the Forest Department would first prepare the proposal, following which the state government would forward it to the Centre. The proposal would subsequently be placed before the National Board for Wildlife.
The chief minister said the usual practice was to notify an ESZ within a one-kilometre radius, although the extent could be increased to three kilometres depending on specific circumstances.
Referring to the recently notified ESZ around Deepor Beel, Sarma said the zone there had been fixed at one kilometre. He argued that there was no universal requirement for an ESZ to extend up to 10 kilometres.
Sarma reiterated that the existing 10-km provision around Kaziranga would continue until the state government issues its formal notification, after which the notified boundary would determine the applicable ESZ.