Govt Oks exploratory drilling for oil and gas in Assam sanctuary

Context: The Centre’s wildlife panel has approved a proposal to carry out oil and
gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife
Sanctuary in Assam’s Jorhat district. The Standing Committee of the National
Board for Wildlife chaired by Union Environment minister Bhupendra Yadav, approved
the proposal by Vendanta Groups Cairn Oil & Gas. Assam’s principal chief
conservator of forests had recommended clearance for the project in August last
year emphasising on “national interest”.

Key points

·       Overview: The Union
environment ministry has approved exploratory oil and gas drilling in parts of
Assam. Cairn India, a subsidiary of Vedanta Ltd, seeks to use approximately 4.5
hectares of reserved forest land for drilling within the eco-sensitive zone of
the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.

·       Hoolock
Gibbon: Gibbons, the smallest and fastest apes, live in Asia's tropical and
subtropical forests. The hoolock gibbon, unique to India's northeast, is one of
20 gibbon species with an estimated population of 12,000.

Ø  Gibbon Species
in India - Two distinct hoolock gibbon species are found in India's northeastern
region: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock
gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).

·       Impact
on Wildlife: The area proposed for drilling is home to hoolock gibbons, elephants,
and leopards. Experts warn that even small disruptions to the forest canopy can
be harmful to these animals, particularly the hoolock gibbons, which are canopy
dwellers. The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has deferred its decision and
asked for comments from wildlife authorities and a wildlife conservation plan.

·       Conditions
for Approval: The regional office of the Union environment
ministry has approved the project with certain conditions. These conditions
include strict compliance with safety procedures and obtaining consent from the
National Board of Wildlife. Special measures to prevent landslides and erosion
have also been recommended.

·       Previous
Incidents related to environmental damage: The Baghjan oilfield gas
blow-out in May 2020 caused extensive ecological damage, highlighting the risks
associated with oil and gas exploration. The incident led to significant damage
to local ecology, including the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and the
Maguri-Motapung wetlands.

·       Conservation
Status of the Hoolock Gibbon: The hoolock gibbon is listed as
"endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN). The total population in northeastern India is estimated to be over
12,000, with around 2,000 in Assam.

·       Other
Exploration Plans: Cairn India has also applied for forest clearance
for oil and gas exploration in the Namphai reserved forest. This area is within
the Dihing Patkai Elephant Reserve and near the Kotha Elephant Corridor. This
area is within the Dihing Patkai Elephant Reserve and near the Kotha Elephant
Corridor.

·       Conclusion: The approval
for oil and gas exploration in Assam underscores the ongoing tension between
economic development and environmental conservation. While the project promises
economic benefits, it also poses significant risks to the endangered hoolock
gibbon and other wildlife. The decision highlights the need for stringent
environmental safeguards and comprehensive wildlife conservation plans to
mitigate the potential impacts. It is crucial for stakeholders to strike a
balance that ensures both sustainable development and the protection of
biodiversity. The rejection of extended reach drilling in the Dibru Saikhowa
National Park sets a precedent for prioritizing environmental conservation in
sensitive ecological zones.