Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary Faces Drilling Threat

Drilling Approved Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has recently approved exploratory drilling in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, sparking intense debate. This decision, made during the 81st meeting of the committee, highlights the ongoing tension between energy demands and wildlife conservation. The proposed drilling site, spanning nearly 4.5 hectares, is situated just 13 kilometres from the sanctuary, home to the endangered Hoolock gibbon and other primate species.

Project Overview

The drilling project is led by an oil exploration company targeting the AA-ONHP-2017/4 block. It involves a 1.44-hectare well pad and a 3.0598-hectare access road. This area is ecologically critical, as the sanctuary supports the only ape species in India, the Hoolock gibbon. Covering 20.98 square kilometres, the sanctuary is surrounded by a 264.92-square-kilometre ESZ that ensures ecological connectivity with nearby forests.

Site Inspection Findings

On November 15, 2024, a site inspection was conducted by representatives from environmental agencies. The findings suggested that exploratory drilling might have limited immediate environmental impacts. However, the team strongly opposed any commercial drilling activities within the ESZ. While acknowledging the sanctuary’s ecological importance, the committee expressed concerns about the potential long-term effects of the project.

Conditions for Approval

The NBWL has imposed several stringent conditions to minimize environmental damage. These include:

• Installation of real-time digital surveillance systems.
• Submission of detailed operational plans.
• Minimal tree felling.
• Implementation of strict pollution control measures.

Additionally, the committee stipulated that any hydrocarbon extraction must occur outside the ESZ to protect the sanctuary.

Gibbon Species in India

India is home to two Hoolock gibbon species: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock). Recent genetic studies by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology suggest that these populations may belong to a single species, diverging from a common ancestor around 8.38 million years ago. This challenges earlier classifications based solely on coat colour.

Conservation Status and Threats

Hoolock gibbons face severe threats, primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation for infrastructure development. The western hoolock gibbon is listed as endangered, while the eastern hoolock gibbon is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Both species are protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, reflecting their critical conservation status.

Future Implications

The approval of exploratory drilling in the sanctuary’s ESZ underscores the delicate balance between energy development and conservation. While the NBWL’s conditions aim to mitigate environmental harm, the long-term impact on the Hoolock gibbon’s habitat remains uncertain. Striking this balance will be pivotal in determining the future of the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary and its unique biodiversity.