Activist Flags UNESCO Over Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project

A 35-km proposed elevated corridor near Kaziranga National Park has drawn criticism after wildlife activist Prasanta Kumar Saikia wrote to UNESCO, alleging the project violates the World Heritage Convention and threatens endangered species. He warned that construction noise, vibrations, and human activity would disrupt wildlife movement and breeding, and urged UNESCO to send a fact-finding team and halt work until a full environmental assessment is done.

Authorities, however, defend the project, saying elevated corridors have proven effective elsewhere and will reduce animal deaths during floods. The Wildlife Institute of India cleared the plan years ago, and the NHAI will execute it. The Centre has also approved widening the Kaliabor–Numaligarh stretch of NH-715 with wildlife-friendly measures.