Gauhati High Court stays OIL from drilling in seven hydrocarbon projects

DIBRU-SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court, on Monday, stayed the 'Environmental Clearance' given to OIL (Oil India Limited) for exploration and drilling of seven hydrocarbon projects in the Dibru Saikhowa National Park. The order was issued by a Division Bench of Gauhati High Court comprising Chief Justice (Acting) N. Kotishwar Singh and Justice Manish Choudhury, in PIL No. 35/2020 filed by Mrinmoy Khataniar and another person.

After hearing Counsel Debajit Kr Das as well as Advocates R.S. Choudhury and H. Betala (who represented the petitioner), the Bench stayed the 'Environmental Clearance' dated May 11, 2020 "for non-compliance of the order dated September 7, 2017 of the Supreme Court, which required the OIL to conduct the Bio-Diversity Impact Assessment study".

In 2017, the Supreme Court had asked OIL to prepare and submit a biodiversity impact assessment to the 'Assam State Biodiversity Board'.

In an affidavit submitted on November 17 to the High Court, the Forest department mentioned that an amount of Rs 22 lakh was given to the OIL for conducting biodiversity impact study. However, the State Forest department said that OIL is yet to conduct the study. On the other hand, OIL stated that they will not go for any drilling till they comply with the Supreme Court's direction.

The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is spread across Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts in Upper Assam. It is located at about 521 km from Guwahati.

Designated as a biosphere reserve, it houses many endangered species and is also rich in fish diversity. Originally created to help conserve the habitat of the rare white-winged wood duck, the park is also home to other rare creatures such as water buffalo, black-breasted parrot bill, tiger and capped langur. The Park is also known for its huge population of feral horses.

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