AJYCP Slams Assam’s Move to Shrink Kaziranga ESZ, Warns Meghalaya of Blockade Over Attacks

STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati: The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) on Friday voiced opposition to the Assam government’s decision to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park to one kilometre and condemned recent attacks on Assam-bound vehicles and tourists in Meghalaya.

AJYCP president Palash Changmai stated that the move to reduce the Kaziranga ESZ has triggered widespread concern among environmentalists, journalists, intellectuals, and conscious citizens. The organisation accused the government of misleading local residents by misinterpreting ESZ rules, causing some in the Kaziranga area to wrongly fear that restrictions on construction and other activities would disrupt their daily lives if the ESZ was not reduced.

AJYCP argued that the ESZ should be maintained at its current extent, with necessary relaxations provided to existing residents to ensure their normal lives are not adversely affected. The group pointed out that several tea factories already operate near Kaziranga, and alleged that the Chief Minister has publicly supported the construction of five-star hotels and resorts within the ESZ under applicable regulations. AJYCP warned that reducing the ESZ could facilitate the destruction of hills in neighbouring Karbi Anglong and open the door for outside corporate interests to acquire large tracts of land near Kaziranga. The group emphasized that while mining, timber mills, and high-emission industries are banned in the ESZ, other activities can proceed under environmental regulations, citing the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and relevant ministry guidelines.

AJYCP further alleged that Karbi Anglong contains deposits of coal, quartz, limestone, and other minerals, and claimed that illegal trade of these resources has already begun in the region, attributing the push to reduce the ESZ to commercial interests. The organisation stressed the ecological importance of the surrounding hills, noting that Kaziranga is affected by annual floods and wildlife relies on the Karbi Anglong hills as refuge during such times. AJYCP cautioned that excluding these hills from the ESZ could lead to their destruction and deprive wildlife of critical shelter, threatening Kaziranga’s biodiversity. AJYCP demanded retention of the current ESZ boundary, while ensuring that existing residents do not face unnecessary restrictions.

On recent events in Meghalaya, the organisation condemned attacks on Assam-bound vehicles and tourists, pointing out that such incidents have occurred repeatedly. AJYCP noted reports of the detention of three local leaders in connection with the latest violence and called for the immediate arrest of all those involved. It further demanded compensation and repairs for damaged vehicles and urged the Meghalaya government to issue a formal apology for the incidents.

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