The Union environment ministry’s approval for exploratory oil and gas drilling in parts of Assam has raised concerns about the endangered hoolock gibbon. Cairn India, a unit of Vedanta Ltd, plans to use 4.4998 hectares of reserved forest land for drilling in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. Official documents indicate that the project has support from both the state government and the regional office of the environment ministry, despite the forest advisory committee (FAC) deferring its decision on July 4.
Impact on Hoolock Gibbons
Experts warn that the hoolock gibbon, a canopy dweller, could be significantly affected by any disruption in its habitat. Even a small break in the canopy can pose a risk to these primates, whose movement is restricted by fragmented habitats.
FAC Observations and Recommendations
The FAC suggested obtaining comments from the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) or the chief wildlife warden, along with a wildlife conservation plan, before proceeding with Cairn India’s proposal. The divisional forest officer of Jorhat noted the presence of hoolock gibbons, elephants, and leopards in the proposed area but claimed that the project’s impact would be minimal. He recommended preparing a wildlife management and mitigation plan to minimize disturbances.
Conditions for Approval
The regional office of the Union environment ministry approved the project with conditions, including strict adherence to standard operating procedures and recommendations from the standing committee on petroleum and natural gas. Additionally, the National Board of Wildlife’s consent is required before final approval due to the area’s eco-sensitive status.
Previous Incidents and Concerns
The Baghjan oilfield blow-out in May 2020, which caused extensive ecological damage, highlights the risks associated with such projects. The incident affected areas near Dibru Saikhowa National Park and habitats of endangered species like hoolock gibbons and Gangetic dolphins.
Expert Opinions
Dilip Chetry, a senior primatologist, emphasized the vulnerability of canopy-dwelling hoolock gibbons to habitat fragmentation. He noted that these primates are non-aggressive, form close-knit families, and serve as indicators of other species’ presence in their habitats.
Hoolock Gibbon Conservation Status
The hoolock gibbon is classified as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population in northeastern India is estimated at over 12,000, with around 2,000 in Assam. The species is found in eastern Bangladesh, northeastern India, and northwestern Myanmar.
Dibru Saikhowa National Park Relief
In a separate decision, the FAC rejected a proposal by Oil India Ltd for extended reach drilling in Dibru Saikhowa National Park. The project, which sought to use 0.069 hectares of forest land, was deemed non-permissible due to a Supreme Court order prohibiting mining within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Cairn India’s Additional Proposals
Cairn India has also applied for forest clearance for oil and gas exploration on 1.7155 hectares of forest land in the Namphai reserved forest. The area lies within the Dihing Patkai Elephant Reserve and near the Kotha Elephant Corridor. FAC recommended granting “in principle” approval with conditions, including a wildlife conservation plan focusing on human-elephant conflict.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary concern regarding Cairn India’s exploratory drilling project in Assam?
- A. Loss of agricultural land
- B. Endangerment of hoolock gibbons
- C. Increase in air pollution
- D. Water contamination
- Answer: B. Endangerment of hoolock gibbons
- What is the role of the hoolock gibbon in its ecosystem, according to Dilip Chetry?
- A. Predator
- B. Pest controller
- C. Indicator species
- D. Pollinator
- Answer: C. Indicator species
- What event in May 2020 highlighted the risks associated with oil and gas projects in Assam?
- A. Earthquake
- B. Flood
- C. Gas blow-out in Baghjan oilfield
- D. Forest fire
- Answer: C. Gas blow-out in Baghjan oilfield
- Which wildlife sanctuary is directly affected by Cairn India’s proposed drilling project?
- A. Kaziranga National Park
- B. Manas National Park
- C. Dibru Saikhowa National Park
- D. Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
- Answer: D. Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
- What specific approval is required before the final sanction of the drilling project in the eco-sensitive zone?
- A. Ministry of Agriculture
- B. National Board of Wildlife
- C. Supreme Court
- D. Ministry of Finance
- Answer: B. National Board of Wildlife