Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change responded to questions regarding the diversion of eco-sensitive land near Kaziranga National Park. Two proposals for land diversion were recommended by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (SCNBWL). Mining activities violating Supreme Court orders were reported, leading to the closure of several stone quarries and mining permits. Additional measures are being implemented to prevent ecological degradation and protect wildlife around Kaziranga.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Land Diversion Proposals:**
* Proposals for diversion of land in Eco-sensitive zones are submitted by State/UT and considered by the SCNBWL after recommendation of the State Board for Wild Life.
* SCNBWL includes ecologists, conservationists, and environmentalists.
* SCNBWL meeting minutes are shared with the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
* Two proposals recommended by SCNBWL:
* Construction of a 4-lane tunnel across the Brahmaputra.
* Widening of the Kaliabor to Numaligarh section to a 4-lane configuration.
* **Violations of Supreme Court Orders:**
* Mining activities in Karbi Anglong violate the Supreme Court's order dated 12.04.2019.
* The order bans mining along the southern boundary of Kaziranga National Park and in the catchment area of rivers flowing into it.
* Closure of 28 stone quarries and 18 stone crushers in the Northern Range, Dolamara.
* Shutdown of 10 mining permits and associated operational areas in the Rangsali area.
* **Measures to Prevent Ecological Degradation:**
* Construction of underpasses, elevated corridors, and culverts for animal passage.
* Identification and protection of wildlife corridors.
* Installation of eco-friendly barriers and fencing.
* Implementation of speed-reducing measures.
* Erection of informative signboards.
* Public awareness campaigns.
* Use of camera traps, infrared sensors, and drones for monitoring.
Impact Analysis:
* **State Government/Union Territory Administration:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for submitting land diversion proposals and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and court orders.
* *Action Required:* To submit proposals to the SCNBWL and ensure compliance with environmental regulations and court orders and implement measures to prevent ecological degradation and protect wildlife.
* **Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (SCNBWL):**
* *Impact:* Responsible for reviewing and recommending land diversion proposals.
* *Action Required:* To review proposals based on ecological impact and conservation principles.
* **Central Empowered Committee (CEC):**
* *Impact:* Receives meeting minutes of the SCNBWL and takes necessary actions as per Supreme Court orders.
* *Action Required:* To review SCNBWL decisions and ensure compliance with Supreme Court directives.
* **Mining Operators:**
* *Impact:* Affected by the closure of mining activities in violation of Supreme Court orders.
* *Action Required:* To cease operations in restricted areas and comply with environmental regulations.
* **Local Communities & Commuters:**
* *Impact:* Affected by the construction of infrastructure and changes in traffic regulations.
* *Action Required:* To be aware of and adhere to speed regulations and wildlife safety guidelines.
Key Entities Referenced
Kaziranga National Park: A national park in Assam, India, known for its wildlife and UNESCO World Heritage status. The policy discusses the protection of its eco-sensitive zone.
Assam: A state in Northeast India where the Kaziranga National Park is located. Several projects and mining activities within Assam are mentioned in relation to the park.
Numaligarh: A town in Assam, India, near Kaziranga National Park, mentioned in the context of infrastructure projects like tunnel connectivity and road widening.
Central Empowered Committee: A committee that receives minutes from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life and takes action as per Supreme Court orders related to environmental matters.
Supreme Court: The highest judicial body in India, whose orders regarding mining activities near Kaziranga National Park are referenced and enforced.
National Board for Wild Life: A statutory body in India responsible for the promotion of wildlife conservation and development. Its Standing Committee (SCNBWL) considers proposals for land diversions in eco-sensitive zones.
River Brahmaputra: A major river in Asia. The policy mentions a proposal for construction of a tunnel across the river between Gohpur and Numaligarh in Assam
Karbi Anglong: A region in Assam where mining activities violating Supreme Court orders have been reported.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1205
TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025
Diversion of Eco-Sensitive Land near Kaziranga National Park
1205. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to
state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the diversion of eco-sensitive land near
Kaziranga National Park in Assam particularly in areas like Numaligarh and
Dolamara, for commercial or infrastructure projects despite its UNESCO World
Heritage status, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has cleared these diversions in consultation with the State
Government and the Central Empowered Committee, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any violations of the Supreme Court’s orders or environmental guidelines
have been reported in these areas, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether any additional measures are being taken to prevent further ecological
degradation around Kaziranga and ensure the strict protection of its buffer and fringe
zones and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND
CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) and (b) Proposals for diversions of land in Eco sensitive zones are submitted by the
State Government/Union Territory Administration for consideration of the
Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (SCNBWL) after due
recommendation of the State Board for Wild Life headed by the respective
Chief Ministers/Administrators. The Standing Committee of the National Board
for Wild Life (SCNBWL), which also includes eminent ecologists,
conservationists and environmentalists, takes informed decisions on the
proposals placed for its consideration.The minutes of the meeting of the
Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (SCNBWL)is shared
to Central Empowered Committee (CEC)for further needful as per the orders of
the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
Two proposals for diversion were recommended by the SCNBWL including
(i) Proposal for construction of 4-lane Tunnel Connectivity across
River Brahmaputra between Gohpur (on NH-15) North Bank and
Numaligarh (on NH715) South Bank in Assam in the 84thSCNBWL meeting and
(ii) Proposal for widening and improvement of existing carriage way to
4 Lane Configuration from Kaliabor to Numaligarh section in the
78th SCNBWL meeting.
(c)& (d) The State Government has reported that certain mining activities in the
KarbiAnglong region are in violation of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Order
dated 12.04.2019 in I.A. No. 42944/2019 in W.P. (C) No. 202/1995. The said
order, inter alia, directs as follows “Ban forthwith all types of mining and
related activities along the southern boundary of the Kaziranga National Park
(KNP) and in the entire catchment area of the rivers, streams, and rivulets
originating in the KarbiAnglong Hill ranges and flowing into Kaziranga
National Park.”
The State Government has informed that, in order to ensure strict compliance
with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and to safeguard the
ecological integrity of Kaziranga National Park and its adjoining
environmentally sensitive catchment areas, orders have been issued for the
closure of 28 stone quarries and 18 stone crushers operating under the Northern
Range, Dolamara. Additionally, 10 mining permits, along with associated
operational areas related to stone extraction, sand mahals, and sand-cum-gravel
mining contracts (MCAs) in the Rangsali area of the division, have also been
shut down.
Further, the Government has taken significant steps to mitigate the risk of road
accidents of wild animalsand ecological degradation around Kaziranga National
Park which inter alia includes the following:
i. Construction of underpasses, elevated corridors, and culverts to
facilitate safe passage of animals across highways.
ii. Identification and protection of wildlife corridors to maintain habitat
connectivity and minimize the need for animals to cross roads.
iii. Installation of eco-friendly barriers and fencing along roads to guide
animals toward designated safe crossing points.
iv. Implementation of speed-reducing measures such as rumble strips and
speed breakers near wildlife crossing zones.
v. Erection of informative and cautionary signboards to alert drivers about
wildlife presence and enforce speed regulations.
vi. Conduct of public awareness campaigns to educate commuters and local
communities on wildlife safety.
vii. Use of camera traps, infrared sensors, and drones to monitor animal
movement and identify critical hotspots for mitigation.
***