Question : NATIONAL PARK AS AN ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE

(a) whether the Government has declared Kaziranga National Park as eco-sensitive zone in Assam;

(b) if so, whether the National Tiger Conservation Authority Report,2008 suggested for stopping of all stone crushers on forest corridor linking Kaziranga to Manas Wildlife Sanctuary;

(c) if so, the action taken by the Government thereon along with the number of industrial units existing in the zone as on date; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to shut down industrial units operating within the 10 Kms. radius of the Kaziranga National Park?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) No Sir.

(b),(c)&(d)A Committee constituted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in 2010 had observed in its report that stone or soil quarry should not be permitted in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape. Report of the said Committee has been sent to the State Government of Assam for the needful. As reported by the State, 12 stone crusher units falling within 10 km. radius of the Kaziranga National Park have been closed by the Forest Department in compliance of the order of the Hon’ble Green Tribunal.