Assam: Centre's NBWL Approves Oil and Gas Exploration in Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

JORHAT: The Centre's National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has given permission to explore oil and gas in the eco-sensitive area of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam's Jorhat district. This was approved on December 21 during a meeting chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav over a proposal submitted by Vedanta Group's Cairn Oil & Gas.

In August 2022, the principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden of Assam recommended the project, terming it to be in the "national interest." The Forest Advisory Committee of the Union Environment Ministry had given in-principal approval for the initiative earlier.

On November 15, an inspection team visited the site, which comprised officials from the Union Environment Ministry, the Wildlife Institute of India, and the Assam Forest Department. The committee concluded the exploratory drilling would cause some environmental damage that is minimal, emphasizing that commercial drilling would not take place.

Vedanta has assured that exploration will be only for the identification of hydrocarbon reserves and extraction, if done, will not take place in the eco-sensitive zone. It has also promised to avoid hazardous substances during the process of exploration.

The Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary constitutes 20.98 square kilometers but has an Eco-sensitive zone for 264.92 square kilometres. This area is essentially important for making connectivity between this sanctuary and local forested districts, which acts as a corridor for the nearby primate locals. Local members have stated that any drilling there would need clear permission from their Village Council along with the government of Nagaland.

Also Read: Sivasagar VKV teacher Queen Bora Saikia receives national award for best teacher guide

Also Watch: