The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has asked the Assam Government to take appropriate legal action against reported illegal mining in the Parkup Pahar range of the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve.

• The issue has renewed concerns over the protection of wildlife corridors connecting Kaziranga National Park and the forested landscape of Karbi Anglong.

Why Is Parkup Pahar Ecologically Important?

• Parkup Pahar lies in the Karbi Anglong landscape along the southern side of Kaziranga National Park. 
• The surrounding hills and forests play an important role in maintaining ecological connectivity between Kaziranga and the wider Karbi Anglong region.
• Wildlife movement: The forest corridors allow elephants, tigers and other animals to move between different habitats.
• Seasonal movement: During periods of flooding in Kaziranga, animals use higher ground in the Karbi Anglong hills as a refuge.
• Habitat connectivity: Connected forests provide access to food, water, breeding areas and suitable habitats.
• Landscape conservation: The hills, forests, rivers and streams form an interconnected ecological system that supports wildlife beyond the boundaries of the national park.

Therefore, protecting Parkup Pahar is important for the long-term conservation of the greater Kaziranga landscape.

How Is Illegal Mining Threatening Wildlife?

Unregulated mining and quarrying can cause permanent changes to the natural landscape.

• Habitat destruction: Removal of vegetation and excavation of hills destroy natural habitats used by wildlife.
• Fragmentation of corridors: Mining activities, roads and associated construction can obstruct traditional wildlife movement routes.
• Disturbance to animals: Noise, blasting, machinery and human activity can disturb wildlife and force animals away from their habitats.
• Changes in drainage: Excavation and alteration of hill slopes can affect natural streams, water flow and sediment movement.
• Soil erosion: Removal of vegetation increases soil instability and can accelerate erosion and sedimentation in nearby water bodies.

The greatest concern is that continued destruction may permanently weaken the ecological connection between Kaziranga and Karbi Anglong.

Supreme Court’s 2019 Order: Legal Protection of the Landscape

• The issue is particularly serious because the reported mining activities are alleged to violate the Supreme Court’s order dated April 12, 2019, in the Kaziranga-related proceedings under Writ Petition (Civil) No. 202 of 1995.
• The Court had issued directions restricting mining and related activities in the Kaziranga National Park area and the catchment areas of rivers, streams and rivulets originating in the Karbi Anglong hills and flowing into Kaziranga.
• The order also prohibited new construction on private lands forming part of nine identified animal corridors.

Why is this significant?

• The order recognises that wildlife conservation cannot be limited to the notified boundaries of a national park.
• It protects the surrounding catchment areas and ecological corridors that support the functioning of the protected landscape.
• It highlights the importance of maintaining connectivity between protected forests and adjoining wildlife habitats.

Way Forward

Protecting the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong landscape requires strict enforcement of existing legal safeguards and coordinated conservation planning.

• Strict enforcement: Authorities must investigate reported illegal mining and take appropriate action against violations of applicable laws and court directions.
• Independent assessment: Satellite imagery, field inspections and environmental assessments should be used to identify the extent of damage to hills, forests and wildlife corridors.
• Corridor protection: The identified wildlife corridors must remain free from activities that obstruct animal movement.
• Catchment restoration: Degraded slopes, streams and forest areas should be restored through scientifically planned ecological measures.
• Interdepartmental coordination: Forest, mining, revenue and district administration authorities must work together to prevent unauthorised activities.
• Community participation: Local communities should be involved in monitoring, restoration and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
• Regular monitoring: The State should ensure transparent compliance reporting and follow-up action on directions issued by the Supreme Court and recommendations of relevant institutions.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaway

• Location: Parkup Pahar range, Karbi Anglong, Assam.
• Protected landscape: Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve.
• Major threat: Reported illegal mining and quarrying.
• Key ecological concern: Loss of habitat connectivity between Kaziranga and Karbi Anglong.
• Supreme Court order: April 12, 2019.
• Institutions involved: MoEFCC, National Tiger Conservation Authority and Central Empowered Committee.
• Conservation priority: Protecting wildlife corridors, catchment areas and forest connectivity.

One-line wrap: Protecting Parkup Pahar is essential not only for conserving forests but also for maintaining the wildlife connectivity on which the long-term survival of Kaziranga’s elephants and tigers depends.