Assam Cabinet Clears Major Kaziranga Expansion, Adds Over 47,000 Hectares

GUWAHATI: The Assam Cabinet has given its final approval for the sixth addition to Kaziranga National Park, expanding the protected area by 47,306.33 hectares. This significant move aims to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts and safeguard critical habitats in the region.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision on his official X handle following the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, May 21. The expansion comes after a series of public consultations, during which several villages — including Gopal Jarani, Gonaitapu, Jobre, and Thute Chapori — were excluded from the extension plan to accommodate local concerns and needs.

In the same session, the Cabinet also approved the fourth and final equity infusion of ₹205.725 crore for the expansion of Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), reinforcing the state’s commitment to industrial growth alongside environmental protection.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved a Rs 284 crore budget for the construction of a new Assam Legislative Assembly complex in Dibrugarh. The complex will feature an assembly hall with seating for 1,000 people, alongside residential accommodations for MLAs.

Additionally, the Assam cabinet decides to develop Khanikar Stadium in Dibrugarh into the state’s largest stadium with a 35,000 capacity. The second phase of development at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy will see an additional Rs 229 crore allocated for constructing residential quarters and facilities for trainee officers.

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