Public Opposition Grows Against Vedanta’s Oil Exploration Near Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

A public meeting in Mariani opposed the proposed oil and gas exploration on 4.49 hectares of land near the Assam-Nagaland border, close to the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. Jorhat Zila Nagarik Samaj organized the meeting, voicing concerns over the Union Ministry’s approval for Vedanta-owned Cairn Oil and Gas’s activities.

Speakers warned that exploration could endanger the hoolock gibbon and other species in the sanctuary. A resolution was passed to send memoranda to the President, Governor, and international wildlife organizations, urging a halt to the project.

Notably, Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi and Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia also raised concerns earlier. However, Mariani MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi criticized the protests, calling them “misinformation.”