Guwahati, April 23 -- In a significant development, the Assam government has abruptly withdrawn its ambitious proposal for a massive 3600 sq. km integrated Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) encompassing Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNP&TR) and seven adjoining Protected Areas.

In a letter addressed to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota cited unresolved boundary issues, unsettled community rights, and the potential for severe socio-economic distress as key reasons for the withdrawal.

The initial proposal, submitted in May 2024, aimed to create a unified buffer zone around a network of crucial wildlife habitats, including Kaziranga National Park along with its ten proposed addit...