Assam govt greenlights Vedanta's oil exploration project in Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Guwahati: The Assam Forest and Environment department has given its nod to Cairn Oil and Gas's proposal for oil and gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.
The decision, however, comes with strict conditions to minimize environmental impact.
Cairn Oil, a subsidiary of Vedanta, has sought to divert 4.49 hectares of forest land for drilling operations near Marinai in upper Assam’s Jorhat district.
The proposal is currently under review by the Union Environment Ministry's Forest Advisory Committee (FAC).
Last month, FAC had sought the Assam Chief Wildlife Warden’s views on the project from a wildlife conservation point of view.
While the Assam Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW), Sandeep Kumar, acknowledged the significant presence of wild elephants in the ESZ and the importance of habitat conservation, he also recognized the national interest in the project.
To mitigate potential harm to wildlife, Kumar recommended forest clearance subject to some conditions.
Kumar noted that the ESZ area of the sanctuary sees significant movement of wild elephants and conservation of their habitat is crucial.
He said, “Appropriate scientific interventions shall have to be undertaken while implementing the project mentioned above in Dessoi Valley RF.”
“As the project is of national interest, it may be recommended for granting Forest Clearance subject to the following conditions,” Indian Express quoted CWLW Kumar as saying.
Among the four conditions mentioned, Kumar, who is also the PCCF( Wildlife) said that the exploration work should happen with minimal tree felling without causing an “adverse impact” on “wild animals and their habitat.”
“The user agency shall take adequate measures against all kinds of pollution likely to be generated due to implementation of the project including disasters like oil and gas leakage and explosion of the well,” he added.
Also, for the wildlife conservation plan and mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, 2% of the total project cost shall be deposited with the Chief Wildlife Warden, Kumar said.