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Vedanta Secures In-Principle Approval for Oil & Gas Exploration in Assam’s Hoolock Gibbon Sanctuary
Guwahati, Sept 15: In a significant yet contentious move, Vedanta’s Cairn Oil and Gas has been granted an in-principle approval by the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for oil and gas exploration within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam. This development has sparked a heated debate among environmentalists and conservationists, who fear for the fate of the endangered Hoolock Gibbons, India’s only ape species, residing in the sanctuary.
Approval Process and Conditions
The approval process involved an online application submitted by the Assam government under Section 2(1)(ii) of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, seeking clearance for the non-forestry use of 4.49 hectares of land inside the sanctuary, amidst concerns over habitat fragmentation and ecological disturbance. The FAC’s green light came with stringent conditions, emphasizing the need for environmental and safety safeguards, reminiscent of the catastrophic oil well blow-out in Baghjan in 2020. This incident underlines the importance of adhering to rigorous safety protocols to prevent similar disasters.
Project Details and Implications
Of the 4.4998 hectares of forest land allocated for the project, 3.0598 hectares are designated for constructing an access road to the drilling site, and 1.44 hectares for the drilling operations. Vedanta is permitted to fell 17 trees to make way for the necessary infrastructure. This project includes a license for oil and natural gas extraction, valid until 2027, highlighting the long-term impact on the sanctuary’s ecosystem.
Environmental Concerns
The decision has been met with outrage from environmental advocates, who warn that any disturbance to the sanctuary’s ecosystem could have devastating consequences for the already endangered Hoolock Gibbons, protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The project’s approval raises questions about balancing economic interests with environmental preservation, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.
Conclusion
Vedanta’s approval for oil and gas exploration in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary’s eco-sensitive zone brings to the forefront the challenges in reconciling industrial development with wildlife conservation. As the project moves forward, it underscores the need for stringent monitoring and adherence to environmental safeguards to mitigate potential adverse impacts on the endangered Hoolock Gibbon population and their habitat.
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