Govt Oks exploratory drilling for oil and gas in Assam sanctuary

Context: The Centre’s wildlife panel has approved a proposal to carry out oil and gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Jorhat district. The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife chaired by Union Environment minister Bhupendra Yadav, approved the proposal by Vendanta Groups Cairn Oil & Gas. Assam’s principal chief conservator of forests had recommended clearance for the project in August last year emphasising on “national interest”.

Explore expert analysis, daily updates, and exam-focused resources tailored for serious aspirants like you!

**Click here to get started**

Key points

·Overview: The Union environment ministry has approved exploratory oil and gas drilling in parts of Assam. Cairn India, a subsidiary of Vedanta Ltd, seeks to use approximately 4.5 hectares of reserved forest land for drilling within the eco-sensitive zone of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.

·Hoolock Gibbon: Gibbons, the smallest and fastest apes, live in Asia’s tropical and subtropical forests. The hoolock gibbon, unique to India’s northeast, is one of 20 gibbon species with an estimated population of 12,000.

Gibbon Species in India — Two distinct hoolock gibbon species are found in India’s northeastern region: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).

·Impact on Wildlife: The area proposed for drilling is home to hoolock gibbons, elephants, and leopards. Experts warn that even small disruptions to the forest canopy can be harmful to these animals, particularly the hoolock gibbons, which are canopy dwellers. The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has deferred its decision and asked for comments from wildlife authorities and a wildlife conservation plan.

·Conditions for Approval: The regional office of the Union environment ministry has approved the project with certain conditions. These conditions include strict compliance with safety procedures and obtaining consent from the National Board of Wildlife. Special measures to prevent landslides and erosion have also been recommended.

·Previous Incidents related to environmental damage: The Baghjan oilfield gas blow-out in May 2020 caused extensive ecological damage, highlighting the risks associated with oil and gas exploration. The incident led to significant damage to local ecology, including the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and the Maguri-Motapung wetlands.

·Conservation Status of the Hoolock Gibbon: The hoolock gibbon is listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The total population in northeastern India is estimated to be over 12,000, with around 2,000 in Assam.

·Other Exploration Plans: Cairn India has also applied for forest clearance for oil and gas exploration in the Namphai reserved forest. This area is within the Dihing Patkai Elephant Reserve and near the Kotha Elephant Corridor. This area is within the Dihing Patkai Elephant Reserve and near the Kotha Elephant Corridor.

**Contact Us**

·Conclusion: The approval for oil and gas exploration in Assam underscores the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental conservation. While the project promises economic benefits, it also poses significant risks to the endangered hoolock gibbon and other wildlife. The decision highlights the need for stringent environmental safeguards and comprehensive wildlife conservation plans to mitigate the potential impacts. It is crucial for stakeholders to strike a balance that ensures both sustainable development and the protection of biodiversity. The rejection of extended reach drilling in the Dibru Saikhowa National Park sets a precedent for prioritizing environmental conservation in sensitive ecological zones.