Guwahati: The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved oil and gas exploratory drilling in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. This decision, taken during the 81st meeting of the committee, has raised questions about balancing energy development with the need to preserve one of India’s most unique wildlife habitats.
The project, proposed by an oil exploration company, spans 4.4998 hectares, including a 1.44-hectare well pad and a 3.0598-hectare access road in the AA-ONHP-2017/4 block. The site is located 13 kilometres from the sanctuary, home to the endangered Hoolock gibbon and six other primate species. The sanctuary itself covers 20.98 square kilometres, with its ESZ extending over 264.92 square kilometres to ensure connectivity with adjacent forested areas in Assam and Nagaland.
