Activist Files Complaint Over Illegal Construction in Kaziranga Wildlife Corridors
Environmental activist Rohit Choudhury has filed a complaint with the Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee (CEC) regarding alleged illegal construction within wildlife corridors of Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India. The complaint cites three specific instances, including a new school building on the Haldhibari corridor and a residential structure on the Panbari corridor, claiming they violate a 2019 Supreme Court order prohibiting new construction on private lands within nine identified animal corridors. These corridors are critical for species like elephants, rhinos, and tigers to migrate between Kaziranga and the Karbi Anglong Hills during floods. Choudhury accused the Assam government of blatant disregard for judicial protections. In response, Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, stated that authorities are examining the issue to verify if the structures fall within the delineated corridor areas. The 2019 court order, also initiated by Choudhury, aimed to protect these fragmented landscapes from human encroachment and mining activities, ensuring safe passage for wildlife across National Highway-37.
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Activist Files Complaint Over Illegal Construction in Kaziranga Wildlife Corridors
Environmental activist Rohit Choudhury has filed a complaint with the Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee (CEC) regarding alleged illegal construction within wildlife corridors of Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India. The complaint cites three specific instances, including a new school building on the Haldhibari corridor and a residential structure on the Panbari corridor, claiming they violate a 2019 Supreme Court order prohibiting new construction on private lands within nine identified animal corridors. These corridors are critical for species like elephants, rhinos, and tigers to migrate between Kaziranga and the Karbi Anglong Hills during floods. Choudhury accused the Assam government of blatant disregard for judicial protections. In response, Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, stated that authorities are examining the issue to verify if the structures fall within the delineated corridor areas. The 2019 court order, also initiated by Choudhury, aimed to protect these fragmented landscapes from human encroachment and mining activities, ensuring safe passage for wildlife across National Highway-37.
The Indian Express