Opposition Grows Over Oil Drilling Approval in Dehing Patkai Forest

The Kaziranga Wildlife Society (KWS) and environmental activists have opposed the approval granted to Oil India Limited (OIL) for hydrocarbon exploration in the Upper Dehing Reserve Forest in Tinsukia district.

KWS warned that further industrial activities in the ecologically sensitive Dehing Patkai rainforest could cause irreversible damage to Assam’s remaining rainforest ecosystem. The project involves the diversion of about 4.9 hectares of forestland within the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve.

Environmental activist Mowsam Hazarika expressed concern that the drilling project could worsen human-elephant conflict, disrupt wildlife habitats, and lead to the felling of around 135 trees. He urged authorities to reconsider the decision, citing risks to biodiversity, including elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, and other endangered species found in the region.