Centre clears oil exploration in disputed Assam-Nagaland border area of Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Jorhat

The Centre’s wildlife panel has approved a proposal for oil and gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Assam’s Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Jorhat district. The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, granted approval for the project by Vedanta Group’s Cairn Oil & Gas on December 21.

Assam’s principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden recommended clearance for the project in August last year, citing “national interest.” The Forest Advisory Committee of the Union Environment Ministry also gave in-principle approval during its meeting on August 27.

According to the minutes of the NBWL meeting, a team comprising officials from the Union Environment Ministry, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and the Assam Forest Department inspected the project site, located approximately 13 km from the sanctuary, on November 15. The inspection committee found that exploratory drilling would cause minimal damage but stated that commercial drilling would not be permitted. Vedanta Group provided written assurance that no commercial drilling will take place at the site.

However, a senior official from the ministry noted that exploratory drilling is a crucial first step in hydrocarbon extraction, which may eventually lead to commercial drilling. Another official added that the inspection committee’s report advised against any oil or gas extraction from within the ESZ, even if reserves are discovered.

Officials also confirmed that Vedanta Group has committed to using exploration solely for identifying hydrocarbon reserves, and any extraction, if reserves are found, will take place outside the ESZ. The company further assured that no hazardous substances would be used during exploration.

The project site lies in a disputed area on the Assam-Nagaland border. The inspection team crossed a Nagaland check post, where they were received by the Border Magistrate of Nagaland and local Naga residents. Local communities informed the team that no drilling operations would be allowed without permission from the Village Council and the Nagaland government, PTI reported.

The Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary spans 20.98 sq km, while its ESZ extends to 264.92 sq km. This expansive ESZ ensures connectivity between the sanctuary, the Dissoi Valley Reserve Forest, and forested areas in Nagaland—vital for the seven primate species residing in the region. The sanctuary is already under strain from human activities, and a proposal to electrify a railway line passing through the sanctuary was recently recommended by the Standing Committee. (With inputs from PTI)

MT