Centre proposes 1-km eco-sensitive zone around Tinsukia wildlife sanctuary

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has drafted a notification to create a uniform one-kilometre eco-sensitive zone covering 32.01 square kilometres around the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Tinsukia district, with the draft released on November 4, 2026. The proposal is framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and seeks to regulate development activities that could affect the sanctuary’s biodiversity and ecological balance.

Proposal for a uniform eco-sensitive zone

Northeast Now reported that the draft notification proposes a single, uniform ESZ of one kilometre radius encircling the three forest patches that constitute the sanctuary. The zone would span a total of 32.01 square kilometres, encompassing the sanctuary itself as well as the surrounding landscape of tea gardens and human settlements. By defining a clear boundary, the ministry aims to provide a consistent regulatory framework for the area.

Sanctuary layout, location and wildlife

The Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary consists of three separate forest patches that together cover 7.21 square kilometres. Bherjan lies about 3 km from Tinsukia town, Borajan is 6 km away and Padumoni is 5 km from the district headquarters. Declared a wildlife sanctuary on October 13, 1999, the area hosts a range of primate species, including the western hoolock gibbon, slow loris, Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque, capped langur, stump-tailed macaque and rhesus macaque. Its tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests also support numerous bird species and other wildlife.

Development restrictions and permitted activities

Under the proposed rules, any new commercial construction within the one-kilometre ESZ would be prohibited. Residential construction by local residents would be allowed, but only subject to applicable regulations that ensure minimal impact on the environment. The draft also permits certain traditional livelihood activities and non-polluting industries, provided they meet specified conditions designed to safeguard the sanctuary’s ecological integrity.

Zonal Master Plan and monitoring mechanism

The draft notification calls for the preparation of a Zonal Master Plan within two years of the final notification. The plan is expected to outline conservation measures, sustainable development guidelines and specific provisions to address local livelihood concerns. A Monitoring Committee, headed by the Tinsukia District Commissioner, would oversee the implementation of the plan and ensure compliance with the ESZ regulations.

Public consultation process

The notification remains in draft form and has been opened for public comments and scrutiny before it is finalised, according to Northeast Now. Stakeholders, including local residents, NGOs and industry representatives, are invited to review the proposed ESZ and submit feedback. The consultation period is intended to incorporate community perspectives and refine the regulatory framework before the final notification is issued.