Assam: Vedanta's oil exploration plan in Gibbon Sanctuary gets Environment ministry's nod

Guwahati: The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given initial approval to Vedanta's Cairn Oil and Gas's proposal for oil and gas exploration drilling in the eco-sensitive zone of Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam.

The decision comes after recommendations from the Asam Chief Wildlife Warden cum PCCF (Wildlife), Indian Express reported.

The project, located near Mariani in upper Assam's Jorhat district, faces potential risks due to the presence of endangered Hoolock Gibbons and wild elephants in the area.

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Spanning 4.49 hectares it aims to explore oil and gas reserves in the sanctuary.

In its meeting held on August 27, the panel reviewed the recommendations from the Assam chief wildlife warden and the regional office of the Union environment ministry, both of which supported the project.

The chief wildlife warden submitted a wildlife conservation plan and human-animal conflict management plan, allocating Rs 5.57 crore for implementation.

The conservation plan proposes measures to protect the Hoolock Gibbon, including native species planting, wildlife protection signages, awareness programs, and stakeholder consultation.

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However, the FAC has mandated that Vedanta implement a comprehensive conservation plan, including measures such as habitat restoration, awareness programs, and human-animal conflict management.

The company will also be required to follow safety guidelines outlined in a parliamentary committee report on oil and gas exploration.

In exchange for using forest land, Vedanta will be required to conduct compensatory afforestation in the Tinsukia district.

The final approval for the project will depend on the company's compliance with these conditions, a report stated.