Syllabus: UPSC/APSC – General Studies Paper III: Environment & Biodiversity; APSC Paper V: Assam Environment and Wildlife

Why in the News?

The Assam Government’s reported move to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve to 1 kilometre has raised concerns over the protection of the park’s wildlife, ecological connectivity and flood-time refuge.

The issue is important because Kaziranga’s ecological security extends beyond its formal protected-area boundary. The forested hills of Karbi Anglong, located across National Highway 37, provide an important ecological link and a natural refuge for wildlife during Assam’s annual floods.

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 Kaziranga’s Buffer Important?

Kaziranga is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, herbivores and more than 500 species of birds. However, its conservation cannot be viewed in isolation from the surrounding landscape.

• Karbi Anglong provides flood refuge: During the annual floods, animals can move towards the higher forested hills of Karbi Anglong.
• Wildlife corridors maintain connectivity: Connectivity between Kaziranga and surrounding forests allows animals to move safely in search of food, water and shelter.
• Water systems are interconnected: Rivers, rivulets and wetlands originating in the Karbi Anglong hills contribute to Kaziranga’s ecological functioning.
• Peripheral activities can affect the park: Mining, quarrying, industrial activity and pollution outside the protected area can indirectly damage wildlife habitats and water bodies inside it.

Major Conservation Concerns

• Habitat fragmentation: Growing settlements, infrastructure and commercial activities can break the ecological continuity between Kaziranga and Karbi Anglong.
• Mining and quarrying: Activities in the surrounding hills can disturb wildlife movement and increase pollution and sedimentation.
• Loss of wildlife corridors: Fragmented corridors can increase human-wildlife encounters and restrict seasonal animal movement.
• Flood vulnerability: Kaziranga experiences severe annual flooding, making access to suitable highlands crucial for wildlife survival.
• Tourism and industrial pressure: Economic activities around protected areas need to remain compatible with their ecological carrying capacity.

Way Forward

A conservation strategy for Kaziranga should adopt a landscape-level approach, rather than focusing only on the formal boundary of the national park.

• The government should undertake a scientific assessment of the Eco-Sensitive Zone before making changes to its extent.
• Wildlife corridors connecting Kaziranga with Karbi Anglong should be identified, protected and restored.
• Illegal mining and quarrying in the surrounding landscape should be strictly controlled.
• Development projects in the peripheral areas should undergo rigorous environmental impact assessment and comply with applicable environmental safeguards.
• Wetlands, rivulets and natural drainage channels feeding Kaziranga should be protected from pollution and unplanned development.

Exam Hook: Prelims

Consider the following statements regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones:

1. They are intended to regulate activities around environmentally sensitive protected areas.
2. They are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
3. All human activities are completely prohibited within an Eco-Sensitive Zone.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 1 and 2 only.

One-Line Wrap

The conservation of Kaziranga requires protecting not only the park itself but also its wider ecological landscape, particularly the wildlife corridors, wetlands and forested hills of Karbi Anglong.