The Assam Government has prepared a site-specific proposal for the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and sent it to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 

More About the News

• The development came before the Gauhati High Court in a PIL concerning the proposed change in the protective zone. 
• The proposed delineation reportedly considers a smaller and location-specific zone of around 1–3 kilometres in some areas, instead of the existing default 10-kilometre protective regime. 
  • However, this is only a proposal, and no final notification has yet been issued.

What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone?

• An Eco-Sensitive Zone are designated regions identified for special environmental protection.
• It is a regulated area around protected areas where certain activities are restricted or regulated to reduce harmful human pressure on sensitive ecosystems.
• The objective is not to completely prohibit development but to create a buffer between protected wildlife habitats and intensive human activities.
• Activities such as industries, mining, construction and other potentially harmful activities may be regulated depending on the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone and applicable environmental rules.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Why is the Kaziranga proposal important?

Kaziranga is a globally important ecosystem and a major habitat of the greater one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, wetland species and migratory birds. Its surrounding landscape is also important because wildlife frequently moves beyond the formal boundaries of the protected area.

The present proposal therefore involves balancing conservation, local livelihoods, infrastructure development and land-use pressures.

What happens before the final notification?

The State Government has indicated that the process will involve several stages.

• The proposal will undergo examination by the Eco-Sensitive Zone Expert Committee and relevant Central authorities.
• Stakeholder consultation and public hearings will provide an opportunity for local communities and other affected groups to raise concerns.
• A draft notification will be published inviting objections and suggestions.
• After examining the responses and completing further scrutiny, the Central Government can issue the final Eco-Sensitive Zone notification.

This is why the present proposal should not be confused with a final reduction of Kaziranga’s protective zone.

Supreme Court connection

• The T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (1995) case is a landmark that transformed nationwide forest conservation and environmental governance.
• In March 2026, the Gauhati High Court recorded that, until a site-specific proposal and final notification were in place, the 10-kilometre Eco-Sensitive Zone regime remained operative around Kaziranga. 
• The State has also maintained that protection of Kaziranga will continue under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and other applicable laws.

Way Forward

• The Kaziranga case highlights the need for science-based and landscape-level conservation rather than relying only on fixed geographical boundaries.
• A balanced approach should protect wildlife corridors and critical habitats, while also considering the legitimate needs of local communities and sustainable economic activity. 
• Regular ecological assessments, transparent consultations and effective enforcement can help ensure that conservation and development do not become competing objectives.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones:

1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. They act as a transition area between protected areas and surrounding human settlements.
3. The default 10-kilometre protection regime applies where a site-specific Eco-Sensitive Zone has not been finally notified.
4. Eco-Sensitive Zones completely prohibit all human activities around protected areas.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

One-line wrap: The proposed site-specific Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga highlights the challenge of balancing wildlife conservation, ecological corridors, local livelihoods and development through science-based environmental governance.