Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has directed the Central Government to clarify its stance on the proposed Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) project within the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam’s Tinsukia district.
The order came on Wednesday (August 28) in response to a petition challenging the project’s environmental implications.
Petitioner’s counsel highlighted that while a similar case is pending before the Supreme Court, recent media reports suggest that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has rejected the ERD proposal.
The court took note of the news report published on August 5, 2024.
“…we direct the Counsel for the Central Government to clarify whether the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has rejected the proposal for Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) inside the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and if there is any such decision, the same be placed on record,” the high court order read.
The High Court bench of Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi granted four weeks to the Central Government’s counsel to submit a clear statement regarding the ministry’s decision on the ERD project.
The court will proceed with further action based on the government’s response.
The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, a Biosphere Reserve, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species. The proposed ERD project has raised concerns among environmentalists and residents due to the potential risks of pollution and habitat disruption.
According to the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) meeting minutes held on July 4, 2024, the committee has rejected the proposal.
“After detailed discussion and deliberation with the DDGF (Central), Regional Office, Shillong and State Government officials, the Committee decided to recommend for rejection of the proposal for non-forestry use of 0.069 ha. of Dibru Saikhowa National Park area for Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) under Dibru Saikhowa National Park from Baghjan PML in Tinsukia Wildlife Division, Tinsukia in the State of Assam in accordance with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 04.08.2006, reiterated vide its order on 26.04.2023 in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India & Ors (WP(C) No. 202 of 2015) read with the Ministry letter No. 11/46/2020-FC dated 12.09.2023,” the minutes stated.