The Indian government has granted approval 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) made the decision after a thorough review. The proposal was submitted by Vedanta Group’s Cairn Oil & Gas. The committee’s approval signals a significant step forward for the exploration project.
Previous Approvals and Recommendations
The approval process began in August 2024. The principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and the chief wildlife warden of Assam recommended clearance for the project. They cited national interest as the reason for their recommendation. In the same month, the union environment ministry’s forest advisory committee granted in-principle approval for the exploration. This paved the way for further assessments.
Inspection and Findings from the Committee
In November 2024, an inspection team composed of officials from the union environment ministry, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and the Assam forest department assessed the proposed project site. The inspection team, located about thirteen kilometers from the sanctuary, evaluated the environmental impact of the proposed drilling activities. The team concluded that exploratory drilling would cause minimal ecological damage. However, they imposed a strict condition: commercial drilling will not be allowed, and any discovered reserves must be extracted outside the ESZ to protect the sanctuary.
Commitments to Environmental Safety of Vedanta
Vedanta Group has made several commitments regarding the exploration. The company has assured that no commercial drilling will take place, and the exploration will focus solely on identifying hydrocarbon reserves. If any reserves are found, they will be extracted outside the eco-sensitive zone. Additionally, Vedanta has pledged to avoid the use of hazardous substances during the exploration to minimize environmental risks.
A Balance Between Development and Environmental Protection
The government’s decision to approve exploratory drilling in the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary reflects a balance between national interest and environmental protection. Vedanta’s strong commitments to safeguarding the sanctuary’s fragile ecosystem offer assurance that the exploration will not compromise the area’s ecological integrity. The project moves forward with strict conditions to protect the environment while allowing for the assessment of potential hydrocarbon reserves.
