Centre proposes 1-km eco-sensitive zone around Tinsukia wildlife sanctuary
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has invited public suggestions regarding the new protective buffer for the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni sanctuary.
The central government has proposed establishing a one-kilometre Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Tinsukia district, according to The Assam Tribune. The move aims to protect local biodiversity and manage development near the protected area.
The sanctuary covers 7.21 square kilometres across three forest patches: Bherjan (1.06 sq km), Borajan (1.76 sq km), and Padumoni (4.39 sq km). The Assam government declared these areas a wildlife sanctuary on October 13, 1999, to conserve the region's primate population.
Under the draft notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, certain industrial, commercial, and tourism activities would be regulated or prohibited. Officials stated the proposal intends to balance conservation with the livelihood requirements of nearby communities.
The draft suggests that agricultural land, forests, and parks should not be turned into industrial areas or large residential complexes. However, local needs such as road improvements, basic civic infrastructure, and non-polluting small-scale industries may be allowed.
The Assam government must create a Zonal Master Plan within two years of the final notification being published in the Official Gazette. This plan will be made alongside local communities and various government departments to manage land use and ecological restoration.
Tourism within the proposed zone will be managed through a Tourism Master Plan based on the area's ecological carrying capacity.