The Hoolock gibbon, India’s only monkey species, is found in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Jorhat district, Assam. The Sanctuary is 20.98 sq km, while its ESZ covers 264.92 sq km. Photo: Special Edition
The Centre’s wildlife panel has approved a proposal to explore for oil and gas in the eco-sensitive Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Jorhat district.
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, approved Vedanta Group’s Cairn Oil and Gas proposal at its meeting on December 21, according to the minutes of the meeting.
Assam’s chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife officer had recommended approval of the scheme in August last year, citing “national interest”.
The Forest Advisory Committee of the Union Environment Ministry had also given the in-principle approval during its meeting on August 27 last year.
According to the minutes of the NBWL meeting, a team comprising officials from the Department of Natural Resources, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and the Assam Forest Department inspected the project site, located about 13 kilometers from the sanctuary, on November 15.
The assessment committee found that exploratory drilling would cause minimal damage, but said commercial drilling would not be allowed.
The Vedanta Group has given a written assurance that no commercial mining will be carried out at the site.
A senior official in the Department stated that exploratory drilling is an important step in hydrocarbon extraction, which can lead to commercial drilling.
Another official said that the report of the inspection committee suggested that no oil or gas could be extracted from the sensitive zone (ESZ), even if reserves were found.
The officials said that the Vedanta Group has committed that exploration in this area will be for the identification of hydrocarbon reserves only. Any release, if available reserves, will be made outside the ESZ.
The company has also confirmed that no hazardous materials will be used during the test, officials said.
They said the project site is located in the disputed Assam-Nagaland border.
The inspection team had to cross the Nagaland checkpoint and was received by the Border Magistrate of Nagaland and the local Naga residents.
The local communities informed the team that no mining activity will be allowed without the permission of the Village Council and the Nagaland government, officials said.
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is 20.98 sq km, and its ESZ covers 264.92 sq km. A large ESZ ensures connectivity between the sanctuary, the Dissoi Valley Reserve Forest, and the forested areas of Nagaland. This connection is important for seven species of animals found in the area.
Officials pointed out that the sanctuary is already under pressure due to human activities. The railway line passing through the sanctuary will also be electrified, a proposal recommended by the Standing Committee.
Published – January 13, 2025 01:45 am IST