NGT directs MoEF&CC to submit report on environmental clearance to OIL

TINSUKIA: Amid the razing controversy of granting Environment Clearance (EC) to Oil India Limited (OIL) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to drill seven wells for hydrocarbon exploration in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took serious exception to MoEF&CC for adopting dilly-dallying tactics in submitting the report despite being directed by the NGT on two previous occasions.

The NGT bench headed by Justice SP Wangdi and expert member Dr Nagin Nanda, in its order on September 17 dealing in an appeal (04/2020/EZ) by Bimal Gogoi and Mridupaban Phukan, reiterated the MoEF&CC to file the report on 10.11.2020. The order stated, "Report of the MoEF&CC has still not been placed before us. Considering that the appeal has been filed against the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted by the MoEF&CC in favour of the OIL on various grounds, the stand of the Ministry would be crucial for determination of the case."

The MoEF&CC was earlier directed twice by the NGT on 20.7.2020 and 13.8.2020 to submit the report. The NGT in its present order directed the MoEF&CC again to file the same 'directly to the NGT, Principal Bench' as it was claimed by the advocate of MoEF&CC to have been filed on 10.8.2020.

The NGT has also served notice on the Assam State Biodiversity Board for not filing its response in terms of biodiversity study of the area as it has a critical role to play in the case, the NGT observed. In compliance of the order of 13.08.2020, the Chairman and the Member Secretary of the Assam State Pollution Control Board were present through video conferencing.

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