SC committee pulls up Assam government for inaction over mining activity near Kaziranga, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court-constituted Central Empowered Committee (CEC) criticized the Assam government for inaction on mining near Kaziranga National Park (KNP).
• The issue involves alleged renewed mining in the Parkup Pahar Range, a vital ecological corridor on KNP's southern boundary.
• The CEC noted the government's failure to submit a comprehensive Watershed Drainage Analysis Report by the October 2025 deadline.
• An SC order from April 12, 2019, had already prohibited all mining and related activities along KNP's southern boundary and in river catchments.
• The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) was also implicated for not presenting a holistic picture regarding mining activities.

Kaziranga National Park.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The CEC's concerns follow a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by environmental activist Rohit Choudhury on June 15, 2025.
• The CEC had previously directed the Assam Chief Secretary on May 30, 2025, to address the mining issue and implement recommendations.
• The government has also failed to notify nine identified animal corridors, despite a CEC request from May 6, 2021.
• Mining leases were reportedly sanctioned around Borjuri, an area within the Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve, leading to elephant deaths.
• The controversy is set against a broader plan to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Kaziranga National Park.
• The CEC reiterated that its May 30, 2025, recommendations remain unimplemented and urged speedy action.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Central Empowered Committee (CEC): A body constituted by the Supreme Court of India to monitor and ensure compliance with its orders concerning forests and wildlife.
• Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ): Areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change around Protected Areas to regulate activities and minimize negative impacts.
• Animal Corridors: Strips of land connecting two or more larger areas of wildlife habitat, facilitating animal movement and genetic exchange.
• Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC): An autonomous district council in Assam, India, administering the Karbi Anglong district under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.