December 12th 2024.
In a recent development, the Union environment ministry has given a preliminary nod to allow a Vedanta Group company to use approximately 4.50 hectares of forest land in Assam for oil and gas exploration. The concerned company, Cairn Oil & Gas, will be conducting exploratory drilling in the delicate Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Jorhat district. This sanctuary is home to the critically endangered hoolock gibbon, the only species of ape found in India.
According to the minutes published on the Parivesh portal, the Forest Advisory Committee of the ministry approved the diversion of 4.49 hectares of forest land during a meeting held on August 27. Prior to this, on August 8, the principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden of Assam had recommended the clearance of the project, stating that it was in the best interest of the nation.
It is important to note that the project site falls within the ecosensitive zone of the sanctuary, which is also used by wild elephants to travel between the sanctuary and the Dessoi Valley Reserve Forest. The concerned official acknowledged the significance of preserving and managing the wild animals in this area, particularly for the protection of elephants and other animal species. Therefore, they emphasized the need for implementing scientific measures while carrying out the project in the Dessoi Valley RF.
Furthermore, the official reassured that the project would involve minimal tree felling and would not cause any harm to the wildlife or their habitats. In fact, a detailed wildlife conservation and human-animal conflict management plan, with a budget of Rs 5.57 crore, has also been submitted for this project.
After considering all aspects, the ministry panel recommended the proposal for Stage-1 clearance, with a directive for the state government to adhere to the safety guidelines mentioned in a parliamentary report on the Baghjan blowout incident that occurred in May 2020. This decision reflects the government's commitment to balancing the needs of development and conservation, while also prioritizing the safety and well-being of both humans and wildlife.
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