Kaziranga, Oct 27: Environmentalists and former forest officials have raised serious concerns over the growing trend of holding lavish commercial weddings and private gala parties at various resorts near the boundaries of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
Kaziranga, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated Tiger Reserve, in the eastern sub-Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, is facing severe ecological pressure allegedly due to late-night celebrations, high-decibel music, and intense lighting setups hosted by local luxury resorts.
Former Director of Kaziranga National Park, Surajit Dutta, stated that park authorities and district officials must intervene immediately to ban high-decibel sound systems and magnified lighting around the protected reserve. He emphasized that such commercial activities constitute a clear violation of wildlife laws and subject local fauna to unnecessary stress.
Dutta also highlighted the growing waste management crisis in the area, explaining that garbage generated during these massive events often washes into local rivers and rivulets, leading to serious water pollution inside the protected habitat. He alleged that many luxury hotels operate with the backing of influential figures, allowing private management to prioritise high-profit private bookings over wildlife conservation.
The influx of high-profile events has also created severe traffic congestion along major transport corridors in Kohora and neighboring sectors, where long lines of vehicles frequently block access roads.
Officials point out that residents currently face a major regulatory gap, as there is no dedicated authority to process public complaints regarding excessive noise and light pollution. They advocate for the establishment of an Eco-Sensitive Zone office to enforce environmental compliance and protect the park’s perimeter.