Shantanu Naidu Criticises Assam Government's Proposed 1 Km Eco-Sensitive Zone for Kaziranga National Park (Video)

Entrepreneur, author and Ratan Tata's aide Shantanu Naidu has voiced serious concern over the central government's proposed modification to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Assam's Kaziranga National Park from 10 kilometres to just 1 kilometre, calling on authorities to reconsider the decision to protect the region's unique wildlife and habitat. The proposed reduction has sparked debate among conservationists, wildlife experts, and local stakeholders.

Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is globally renowned as the primary sanctuary for the endangered greater one-horned rhinoceros and serves as a vital ecological anchor in Northeast India. Kaziranga National Park Among Top Five in Number of Migratory Waterbirds Across Country, Finds Water-Birds Census.

Shantanu Naidu Voices Concern Over Proposed Reduction of Kaziranga's Eco-Sensitive Zone

 

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Concerns Over Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection

Highlighting the ecological importance of Kaziranga National Park, Shantanu Naidu said a 1-km protective perimeter may not be adequate to safeguard the fragile ecosystem from potential impacts of mining, flooding, construction, and increasing human activity. "The wild animals in Kaziranga have been handed an eviction notice and they don't even know it yet," Naidu said in his Instagram video. He shared the video with the caption reading: "Everyday we see the natural bounty of India erased. Accompanied by a feeling of complete helplessness".

Conservation advocates have long emphasised that a wider buffer zone is essential to shield the park's wildlife corridors from commercial encroachment, industrial pressures, and urban expansion. A compressed 1-kilometre boundary could increase human-animal conflict and expose vulnerable species to disturbances during seasonal monsoons and annual flood migrations.

Balancing Development and Conservation

Addressing the broader conversation surrounding infrastructure and regional growth, Naidu stressed that development and environmental conservation need not be opposing goals. He called for sustainable and responsible planning that protects Kaziranga's unique ecosystem for future generations. The debate over Kaziranga's ESZ touches on a recurring challenge in conservation policy: balancing the developmental aspirations of local communities and industries with the strict ecological safeguards required to preserve ecologically sensitive zones. Ratan Tata Aide Shantanu Naidu Says Assam Floods 'Not Natural Disaster'; Seeks Help Amid Widespread Devastation (Video).

As discussions continue, environmental groups and public figures are pressing policymakers to weigh long-term ecological preservation heavily against short-term commercial pressures surrounding India's premier wildlife reserves. Notably, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the current 10-km buffer, which is in force because the park has not yet received its final ESZ notification, has restricted infrastructure and urban development in the area. Biswa said that the proposed change would clear the way for long-pending projects, including a modern stadium and other civic works, while still safeguarding the park’s wildlife, reported Deccan Chronicle.

"Since Kaziranga has not yet been finally notified, the default eco-sensitive zone is 10 km. Once the notification is completed, we will propose a scientifically defined 1-km eco-sensitive zone. That will remove unnecessary restrictions and allow us to undertake development works in Bokakhat while continuing to protect wildlife," the Chief Minister added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 11:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).