Congress Protests Proposed Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone Reduction

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Monday staged a protest opposing the proposed reduction of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park, alleging that the move could facilitate large-scale mining and harm wildlife. APCC president Gaurav Gogoi accused the Assam government of prioritising corporate interests over environmental protection and warned that reducing the ESZ from 10 km to 1 km could affect animal movement, particularly during the annual floods.

Gogoi also raised concerns over alleged targeting of activists opposing such projects and questioned the Centre’s flood-management funding for Assam. Senior Congress leader Mira Borthakur said development should not come at the cost of Kaziranga’s biodiversity. After the protest, Gogoi visited the residence of indigenous rights activist Pranab Doley near Kaziranga and assured his family of legal assistance in his case.