Assam to Seek Centre Approval to Cut Kaziranga Buffer Zone

Assam is a state in India that is home to a famous wildlife park called Kaziranga, where one-horned rhinoceroses live.

There is a special safe area around the park called an eco-sensitive zone where some activities are restricted.

Right now, that zone is 10 kilometres wide.

The state government wants to shrink it to just 1 kilometre.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says the 10-kilometre rule was only a default and was never formally approved.

The government says a smaller zone would leave more room for building things outside the park, like a proposed stadium.

India's top court, the Supreme Court, said in 2022 that protected areas should have an eco-sensitive zone of at least 1 kilometre.

People who care about wildlife are worried that building and other activities close to the park could hurt the animals.

The Assam government will send its proposal to the national government, which must approve it.