Supreme Court panel pulls up Assam Government for inaction on mining near Kaziranga
A Supreme Court-appointed panel has criticized the Assam government for failing to address illegal mining activities near the Kaziranga National Park. The government reportedly missed deadlines to submit critical environmental reports regarding the protection of the rhino habitat.
Why it matters
This underscores the tension between industrial activity and the preservation of critical ecological zones and endangered species habitats.
Ahead of a controversy over a plan to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Kaziranga National Park, a Supreme Court-constituted panel has pulled up the Assam government over its handling of mining on the southern boundary of the one-horned rhino habitat.
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) said that the government did not address the mining issue in and around the Parkup Pahar Range, a declared wildlife sanctuary and vital ecological corridor, with the seriousness it deserves.
The latest development follows a June 15 RTI (Right to Information) application filed by Rohit Choudhury, a Golaghat district-based environmental activist, seeking details of compliance with the CEC’s directions to the Assam Chief Secretary on May 30, 2025.
Mr. Choudhury sought the comprehensive Watershed Drainage Analysis Report that was to identify all areas draining into Kaziranga, along with quarterly status reports on action taken against reported violations.
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