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Kaziranga's Wildlife Fights for Space
20 Aug
Summary
- Assam government proposes a narrow 1 km eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga.
- Kaziranga National Park is a vital sanctuary for thousands of one-horned rhinos.
- Increased tourism and construction threaten wildlife with shrinking safe habitats.
Kaziranga National Park, a globally recognized wildlife habitat, is under pressure from a proposed reduction in its protective buffer zone. The Assam government is considering shrinking the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) surrounding the park to a mere 1 km, a move that conservationists argue is insufficient. Historically, a 10-km zone was considered standard for adequate protection.
This reduction is concerning given the park's dense population of approximately 4,000 one-horned rhinos, alongside tigers, elephants, and numerous other species. The ESZ is crucial for regulating harmful activities and providing a transition between wildlife and human settlements. The potential development of a modern stadium near Kaziranga and ongoing concerns about mining in catchment areas further exacerbate these risks.
Kaziranga also grapples with annual floods that displace animals, often leading to fatal encounters with vehicles on roads. Introducing more roads, buildings, and noise through a restricted ESZ would diminish safe corridors for animals. With tourism numbers soaring, a balance must be struck to ensure conservation efforts spanning over 100 years are not undone by shrinking the space available for its precious wildlife.
