Assam Forest Department Clarifies Oil Drilling Plans Near Hollongapar Sanctuary

The Assam Forest Department clarified concerns about proposed oil exploration near the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. They confirmed the drilling will occur 13 km away from the sanctuary’s boundary, not within it. The project will minimally impact the environment, with only 25 trees to be felled. The state government has forwarded the proposal to the National Wildlife Board for review, and no final approval has been granted yet. The clarification follows concerns about the impact on the endangered Hoolock Gibbon.