paromita 
A protest march was held in Kentucky, USA recently, raising concerns over Kaziranga’s conservation, indigenous rights, the proposed luxury hotel project, and the detention of activist Pranab Doley.
Protesters raised the slogan: “Save Kaziranga and Free Pranab Doley.”
The protest march was organised by ANGr and IFC , highlighting concerns over the government’s policies that could prove detrimental to the Kaziranga National Park and the reported detention of Pranab Doley.
The organisers said they will continue to raise their voices for environmental conservation, the rights of indigenous communities, and the right to peaceful protest.
They called for an end to what they described as corporate greed,, stating that today Kaziranga faces growing pressure from large-scale tourism and infrastructure projects. The proposed luxury hotel project near Kaziranga has raised serious concerns about land rights, livelihoods, and environmental protection. Activist Pranab Doley, who has opposed the project, was arrested and later detained under the National Security Act after being granted bail.
There are also concerns over the proposal to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga from the existing 10-kilometre buffer to just 1 kilometre. Such a drastic reduction could weaken ecological safeguards around the national park and increase pressure from construction, tourism, and other development activities in areas that are vital to wildlife.
Protesters noted that Kaziranga needs stronger protection, not weaker safeguards. “We urge the authorities to protect its forests, wildlife corridors, surrounding ecosystems, and the communities that have coexisted with Kaziranga for generations,” they added.
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