Guwahati, Aug. 22 -- Assam's Kaziranga National Park is facing pressure from changes in the areas around it, with the latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Heritage Outlook warning that these factors could affect the park's long-term ecological health.

The assessment comes at a time when the Assam government is proposing to reduce the park's Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The existing zone extends up to 10 km, while the proposed limit was initially stated as 1 km and later as 1 to 3 km.

Conservation groups have opposed the proposed reduction, saying it could make it easier for industrial activities to expand in the Karbi Anglong hills near the park. They have also expressed concern about increased construction of...