Supreme Court panel pulls up Assam Government for inaction on mining near Kaziranga
The rhino habitat has been in focus after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a plan to reduce its Eco-Sensitive Zone from the default 10 km
A Supreme Court panel has criticized the Assam government for its inaction regarding mining activities near Kaziranga National Park. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) expressed disappointment over the government's failure to address the mining issue in and around Parkup Pahar Range, a wildlife sanctuary and vital ecological corridor for the one-horned rhino.
The panel had given the Assam Chief Secretary a deadline of October 2025 to submit a comprehensive Watershed Drainage Analysis Report, identifying areas draining into Kaziranga and reporting on actions taken against reported violations. Despite the CEC's deadline, the panel claims the report has not been completed. The controversy began when environmental activist Rohit Choudhury filed a Right to Information (RTI) application on May 30, 2025, seeking information regarding compliance with the CEC's directives from May 30, 2025.
The CEC had previously ordered the prohibition of mining and related activities along the southern boundary of Kaziranga and within the catchments of rivers and streams originating in the Karbi Anglong hills. The panel stated that the Assam government has not been addressing the mining issue with the necessary urgency, and failure to comply with the court's order could result in further legal action.
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