Wildlife board defers Vedanta's oil exploration plans in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has deferred its nod for oil exploration in the eco-sensitive zone of Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Jorhat district by the Vedanta Group until a site visit is carried out.

The site inspection will be conducted by the representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Wildlife Institute of India, Assam Forest department, and Raman Sukumar, a wildlife scientist and independent member of the board.

Welcoming the decision of the board, Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi stressed the need for a comprehensive assessment of the situation.


"The deferment is only a temporary solution," Gogoi posted on a micro-blogging website. "The concerned government agencies must undertake a comprehensive assessment of the situation. Potential short-term benefits cannot come at the expense of Assam's natural heritage and endangered wildlife."