Guwahati, Aug. 12 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 12 said the Supreme Court's direction on the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park does not mean that the existing 10-km provision has been immediately reduced.

Speaking at a press conference, Sarma said the 10-km provision would continue to remain in force until the Assam government formally notifies the ESZ. The distance specified in the state's eventual notification would then become applicable.

Sarma said the Supreme Court had directed that the ESZ would fall within one kilometre, but clarified that the direction should not be interpreted as an immediate alteration of the existing arrangement.

He said maintaining a 10-km ESZ around Kaziranga c...