The arrest of Assam’s indigenous rights activist, Pranab Doley, on July 13 sparked a major political flashpoint over the disputed land transfer for a proposed five-star hotel project near the Central Range of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR). Pranab Doley has consistently voiced his concerns over the proposed five-star luxury hotel at Hathikhuli Inglay Pothar, in the ecologically sensitive Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong landscape, as well as the eviction of indigenous people from their land. Doley’s arrest triggered protests and strong reactions across the state. Following his arrest, five more people were taken into police custody. While such dissent is often perceived as resistance to progress, it must instead be viewed within the broader context of defending environmental justice and equity.
Controversy has surrounded the luxury project over the selection of its site, which lies in close proximity to KNPTR. Protests continued after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the state government and Hyatt Hotels on September 23, 2023, for the construction of a five-star hotel spread across a 30-acre area at Hathikhuli Inglay Pothar near the Kohora (Central) Range. During periods of high flooding, wildlife escaping floodwaters can be seen crossing the national highway to seek refuge in the Karbi Anglong Hills, which serve as natural highlands adjacent to the proposed site.
Furthermore, as its name suggests, Hathikhuli Inglay Pothar has traditionally served as an elephant refuge within the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong landscape. Environmental organisations and conservationists have raised concerns that any alteration or obstruction of elephant and other wildlife migration routes would prove disastrous, with adjoining villages bearing the brunt of increased human-wildlife conflict. It must be noted that the Supreme Court, while hearing a case concerning the demarcation of the boundaries of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, observed that human-animal conflicts pose a danger to the very existence of forests and wildlife, and that a balance must be struck that safeguards the rights of both stakeholders.
There has been strong opposition from local communities against the proposed luxury project. More than 40 farming families, most belonging to the tea-tribe community, now face forced eviction from the land where they have cultivated crops and lived in harmony with nature. They are bewildered by the apparent lack of due process and have been left feeling helpless. For more than a century, it has been the collective efforts of all stakeholders that have made Kaziranga one of the world’s most successful conservation models. One must never forget the unwavering perseverance of those living on the park’s periphery, who have helped sustain Kaziranga by embracing a policy of coexistence.
Native habitats and critical wildlife corridors have increasingly been encroached upon by private entities investing in the hospitality sector, placing enormous pressure on land-use patterns, accelerating habitat loss, threatening endangered species, and often leading to the eviction of landless tribal communities. Critics frequently describe such human interventions in ecosystems, often justified in the name of development, as “state-sanctioned habitat theft.”
The overexploitation of natural resources has severely impacted wildlife, forests, and the functioning of rivers and streams, leaving us with far greater losses than gains. Globally, the greatest threat to wildlife is habitat loss, and India is no exception. Wildlife requires inviolate spaces. The conversion of wildlife habitats for other land uses has brought animals into closer contact with people, ultimately jeopardising both wildlife and human communities.
Mega-herbivores such as elephants, rhinos, and wild buffaloes, which require extensive home ranges and abundant food resources, have been among the species most severely affected by habitat alteration and the loss of habitat connectivity. Land outside the protected area (PA) network may be owned by communities or private individuals, but wildlife does not recognise such boundaries. Consequently, wild animals frequently move beyond protected area limits. The Supreme Court, in an order passed in April 2019, banned construction of any kind on private lands that form part of recognised wildlife corridors.
Unsustainable development practices have significantly contributed to India’s poor performance on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). India ranked 176th out of 177 countries in the Global EPI, making it the second-lowest-ranked country in the world. The country’s performance has been particularly weak in environmental health and ecosystem vitality, with increasing pressure on forests, wildlife habitats, and natural resources. True progress lies in walking with nature, not over it.
Caution must be exercised when undertaking large projects that could swallow native habitats. In the case of World Heritage Sites, such projects may also affect the site’s “Outstanding Universal Value”—the unique characteristics for which it has been granted World Heritage status.
As a tourist destination, Kaziranga’s success has often been measured by rising visitor numbers and increasing revenue. Yet, the park has simultaneously been grappling with the unchecked expansion of the hospitality industry in close proximity to its core wildlife habitat. There are already numerous constructions near the park—particularly around the Kohora and Bagori ranges—with many more under development, posing a grave threat to the park’s fragile ecosystem. We must never forget that Kaziranga is home to several endangered and critically endangered species.
The need for new projects and infrastructure is undeniable for economic and social development. There is tremendous scope for tourism development in a state like Assam, whose economy is still emerging. At the same time, we must take cognisance of the mounting pressure that economic interests place on biodiversity. A five-star hotel or luxury resort would be a welcome addition to any city or town in the state. Kaliabor or Jakhalabandha in Nagaon district, Bokakhat in Golaghat district, or even Tezpur or Biswanath could serve as more suitable locations for the proposed project, balancing conservation priorities with development needs. The government must adopt a proactive policy that promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, reduces pollution, and protects and restores biodiversity and ecosystems. Likewise, the state’s tourism department must demonstrate clear accountability in preventing and mitigating environmental damage.