Centre Approves Oil Drilling Near Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

The Union Environment Ministry has granted “in-principle” approval for oil drilling in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Jorhat district. Approximately 4.50 hectares of land will be diverted for exploration by the Vedanta Group. Despite previous assurances, the Assam Forest Department confirmed that the drilling site is 13 km from the sanctuary’s boundary. The ministry has emphasized the need for conservation measures and adherence to safety guidelines, with minimal environmental impact expected, including the felling of about 25 trees.