GUWAHATI: The Centre's wildlife panel has approved a proposal to conduct oil and gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) surrounding the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Jorhat district. The drilling site, spanning approximately 4.49 hectares, is situated about 13 kilometres from the sanctuary. The location also lies in a disputed area near Mariani on the Assam-Nagaland border.
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The committee has tasked the State Pollution Control Board and the Assam Forest Department with maintaining direct oversight and continuous vigilance over the exploration activities. Additionally, the Director General of Hydrocarbons will oversee all controls and operations related to the project.
The NBWL committee has issued a strict warning that any violations of pollution control norms will lead to the immediate suspension of operations and termination of the project, alongside potential legal action against the project proponent.
The project received clearance from Assam's principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and the chief wildlife warden in August last year, citing the initiative as being in the "national interest." Subsequently, the Forest Advisory Committee of the Union Environment Ministry granted in-principle approval during its meeting held on August 27, 2022.
Previously, a site inspection was conducted on November 15, 2022 by a team comprising officials from the Union Environment Ministry, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and the Assam Forest Department. Following the inspection, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) committee approved the project with stringent conditions to mitigate environmental risks.
The decision has sparked concerns among conservationists about the potential impact on the sanctuary's biodiversity, particularly the endangered hoolock gibbons for which the sanctuary is renowned.
