Adivi Sesh warns of wildlife risks, seeks review of resort plan near Kaziranga

Actor Adivi Sesh has urged the Assam government to review the proposed resort development near Kaziranga. His appeal highlights wildlife protection, environmental scrutiny, transparency and local communities' interests.

In Short

• Adivi Sesh urges Assam govt to review resort plan near Kaziranga
• He stresses wildlife, environment and local community concerns
• He calls for transparency and independent environmental checks

Actor Adivi Sesh has urged the Assam government to review a proposed resort development near Kaziranga, flagging concerns over wildlife conservation, environmental protection and the interests of local communities. In a letter to the government, the actor called for transparency over the land involved and independent environmental assessments wherever necessary, stressing that development in ecologically sensitive regions must be planned responsibly.

“Nature does not belong to us; we are only its temporary custodians. When we talk about a place like Kaziranga, we are not simply talking about a national park or a tourist destination. We are talking about a living ecosystem that has existed for generations, a home to extraordinary wildlife, and a natural heritage that belongs to every Indian and, in many ways, to the world,” Sesh said.

Highlighting Kaziranga's ecological importance, the actor pointed to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, a species closely associated with Assam, and warned of the lasting consequences of habitat loss.

“The greater one-horned rhinoceros is not just a symbol of Assam; it represents the incredible biodiversity that we have a responsibility to protect. Once an animal loses its habitat, once a natural corridor is disrupted or an ecosystem is permanently altered, restoring that balance can be incredibly difficult, sometimes impossible,” he said.

Sesh acknowledged that tourism can contribute to local economies but argued that commercial development must be weighed against its potential environmental impact.

“I understand that tourism can generate employment, create opportunities and contribute to the local economy. But development must be planned with a long-term vision, particularly when it concerns ecologically sensitive regions,” he said.

He also questioned whether commercial construction should be permitted across every available stretch of land, urging decision-makers to consider the long-term consequences for wildlife and the environment.

“We need to ask ourselves whether every piece of land needs to be commercially developed, and whether the immediate benefits of construction justify the possible long-term consequences for wildlife and the environment. Sustainable tourism should be about experiencing nature while preserving it, not about changing the very landscape that makes a place special in the first place.”

Adivi Sesh stresses role of local communities

The actor said the concerns surrounding the proposed development extended beyond wildlife to the people who have lived in and around the Kaziranga landscape for generations. He emphasised that their livelihoods, traditions and experiences must be considered before decisions affecting the region are made.

“There are local communities who have lived in and around this landscape for generations, whose lives, livelihoods and traditions are deeply connected to the land,” he said.

“Their voices, experiences and concerns must be part of any decision-making process that affects their surroundings. Conservation cannot succeed if the people who have coexisted with nature for generations are left out of the conversation.”

Calling for a thorough review of the proposal, Sesh urged the Assam government to ensure that ecological, legal and community-related concerns are examined before any irreversible decisions are taken.

“Through this letter, I sincerely urge the Assam government to carefully review the implications of the proposed resort development, ensure complete transparency regarding the land involved, and commission appropriate independent environmental assessments wherever necessary,” he said.

“I hope that all relevant ecological, legal and community considerations are examined before any irreversible decisions are made. This is not about opposing development; it is about asking for development that is thoughtful, responsible and sustainable.”

Concluding his appeal, Sesh said protecting Kaziranga was a responsibility that extended to future generations.

“Kaziranga is a priceless natural treasure, and we owe it to future generations to protect its wildlife, its forests and the people who call this region home. The decisions we make today will determine what we leave behind tomorrow.”

On the work front, Adivi Sesh was last seen in Dacoit and is currently shooting for G2.

- Ends