GUWAHATI: The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has deferred its approval for Vedanta Group’s proposed oil exploration in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) surrounding the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Jorhat district.
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The decision comes amid growing protests from environmental groups and local communities concerned about the potential impact on the sanctuary, home to India's only ape species, the endangered Hoolock Gibbon.
“The concerned government agencies must undertake a comprehensive assessment of the situation,” Jorhat Member of Parliament (MP) Gaurav Gogoi said on X. “Potential short term benefits cannot come at the expense of Assam’s natural heritage and endangered wildlife.”
Although the exploration activities are planned for the ESZ outside the sanctuary, the NBWL, the country's apex body for wildlife conservation, has postponed its decision pending a site visit. This inspection will be conducted by representatives from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Wildlife Institute of India, the Assam Forest Department, and renowned wildlife scientist Dr. Raman Sukumar, an independent member of the board.
The sanctuary, which spans 20.98 sq km, is a critical habitat for the endangered Hoolock Gibbon. Environmentalists and local organisations are of the opinion that oil exploration in the area could pose a severe threat to the fragile ecosystem and its wildlife.
