Guwahati: The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), constituted by the Supreme Court, has raised concerns over the incomplete implementation of the court’s directions on mining in the Karbi Anglong hills near Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.
In a March 3, 2026 letter to the Assam Chief Secretary, the CEC said mining and related activities were continuing in the area despite the Supreme Court’s directions. The concern comes as the Assam government is considering a reduction in Kaziranga’s eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
The committee also said the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) had not presented the courts with the full picture of mining and related activities in the hills.
The CEC said the matter had been raised repeatedly but had not received adequate attention. It said the Supreme Court’s directions were aimed at protecting wildlife and preserving the natural drainage network across the landscape to maintain its ecological balance.
Describing the matter as sensitive, the committee called for immediate intervention by the Chief Secretary. It also said any violation of the Supreme Court’s directions would be brought before the court.
The CEC said mapping of the catchment areas of streams and rivers originating in the Karbi Anglong hills remained incomplete, despite more than six years having passed.
The committee also raised concerns over nine identified animal corridors connecting Kaziranga National Park. In a May 6, 2021 letter, it had sought information from the state government on steps taken to notify the corridors but said no response had been received.
The CEC also referred to extensive mining in parts of the Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve, which covers areas in Karbi Anglong and Kaziranga. It also mentioned the deaths of several elephants in human-elephant conflict.
According to the committee, there was no wildlife management plan in place that included measures to reduce damage to wildlife. It also expressed concern that the KAAC had not adequately addressed the notifications and measures required to protect the area’s ecology and wildlife.
The CEC had submitted a detailed report containing recommendations to the state government on May 30, 2025. In its latest letter, it said the recommendations had not been fully implemented.
The CEC has urged the government to complete the formal notification of all nine identified wildlife corridors and act on the recommendations without further delay.
It has also directed the State Law Department to circulate the Supreme Court’s Kaziranga conservation order among all courts in Assam.