‘How did Assam permit large-scale hotels in and around Kaziranga?’

With large-scale hotels in and around the world heritage site of Kaziranga National Park (KNP) posing a threat to wildlife, especially the one-horned rhinoceros, the National Green Tribunal has sought to know how such activities came to be permitted by the State government.

The Tribunal has summoned the Secretary, Department of Forests, Assam Government, and also the Director of KNP while stating that it was “not satisfied” with the reply of the State on its queries.

The NGT once again emphasised that both the Assam Government as well as the Ministry of Environment & Forests will have to make their stand clear with respect to declaration of eco-sensitive zone around KNP, delay in which has resulted in rampant encroachment, poaching and commercial activities in the area.

Meanwhile, the Centre told the Tribunal that it is actively considering the proposal submitted by the Assam Government for issuance of eco-sensitive zone notification.

“To put to rest any doubts, we direct that the State of Assam shall submit its clear stand in relation to: declaration of eco sensitive zone, pattas which were primarily for agricultural purposes and at best incidental residential construction; and how it has resulted in State permitting large scale hotels projects in and around the Kaziranga National Park,” the NGT ordered.

It also sought to know “what is the stand of the State in relation to the Park being protected area even as of today, and what will be the normal distances from the boundary of the Kaziranga National Park spelling out prohibited and regulatory zones…

The State will also show as to how all these issues have also been dealt with in the proposed eco sensitive zone notification.”

At present, there are over 71 hotels, resorts and dhabas , which have encroached into the eco-sensitive zone of the Park and running the business within one to three kilometres of the boundary of KNP, where an increasing number of rhinos are becoming victims of poaching.

The Comptroller and Auditor General report also points at rampant construction and parking on vast stretches of NH-37 passing through KNP.