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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 16/06/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (16-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question:

Q. The cancellation of Kaziranga National Park’s 9th addition raises concerns about conservation backsliding. Critically analyse the ecological importance of such buffer extensions and suggest a balanced strategy for managing conservation-development conflicts.

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

The Assam government’s decision to withdraw the 9th addition (2,570 hectares) to the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has reignited debates over the balance between development imperatives and ecological commitments. This move follows earlier pushback against integrated Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), sparking concerns among conservationists.

Why Buffer Additions Matter: The Ecological Rationale

Ecological Function	Significance
Wildlife Corridors	Facilitates seasonal movement of species like elephants, tigers, rhinos
Gene Flow & Biodiversity	Prevents genetic isolation of species between Kaziranga and Nameri
Disaster Resilience	Provides refuge during Brahmaputra floods, which submerge core zones
Conflict Mitigation	Reduces human-wildlife conflict by expanding animal habitat
Climate Buffer	Acts as green shield against microclimate shifts, supports wetlands

Arguments Supporting the Withdrawal (Govt Perspective)

Development Pressure
- Area includes roads, settlements, and infrastructure – difficult to manage as strict PA.
Community Opposition to ESZs
- Local resistance to restrictions on agriculture, construction, and livelihood in surrounding villages.
Administrative Feasibility
- Limited forest staff and budget to monitor an expanded area.
Prevention of Legal Overlap
- Overlapping jurisdiction with Tezpur Municipal limits and private land holdings.

Counterarguments: Conservationist Concerns

Backsliding from Global Conservation Norms
- Contradicts India’s commitments under CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity).
Jeopardises Wildlife Corridors
- Breaks critical link between Kaziranga and Nameri, threatening species movement.
Sets Risky Precedent
- May encourage other states to withdraw additions under development pressure.
Ignores Long-Term Economic Value
- Ecotourism, biodiversity benefits, and ecosystem services outweigh short-term gains.

Wider Context in Assam

Baghjan Blowout, Char Erosion: Already stress Assam’s fragile ecosystems.
Similar corridor threats in Manas, Pobitora, and Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Forestry staff deficit: Over 50% in key parks.
ESZ confusion: Uniform zones cause friction without zonal planning.

Way Forward: Towards Conservation-Development Synergy

Strategy	Recommendation
Zonal ESZ Classification	Categorise areas into core, regulated, and sustainable use zones
Community Eco-Guard Model	Involve local youth as trained forest assistants
Legal Clarity	Amend Forest Policy to define conditions for addition withdrawal
Integrated Landscape Plans	Consider wildlife corridors in infrastructure and tourism projects
Scientific Corridor Mapping	Use satellite and radio-collar data to justify inclusion/exclusion

Conclusion

The rollback of Kaziranga’s 9th addition is more than a boundary issue—it’s a litmus test for India’s ecological governance. Assam, a state rich in biodiversity, must lead by example. A balanced model based on science, community consensus, and long-term ecological vision is essential to prevent short-term decisions from causing permanent damage.

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