Controversial Drilling Approved in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

January 13, 2025

The recent approval by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for exploratory drilling in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary has sparked debate. This decision, made during the committee’s 81st meeting, raises concerns about the balance between energy needs and wildlife conservation. The proposed drilling site, which covers nearly 4.5 hectares, lies just 13 kilometres from the sanctuary, home to the endangered Hoolock gibbon and other primate species.

Project Overview

The drilling project is initiated by an oil exploration company. The site includes a 1.44-hectare well pad and a 3.0598-hectare access road located in the AA-ONHP-2017/4 block. This area is critical for the survival of the Hoolock gibbon, which is the only ape species found in India. The sanctuary itself spans 20.98 square kilometres, with an ESZ of 264.92 square kilometres designed to maintain ecological connectivity with surrounding forests.

Site Inspection Findings

A site inspection conducted on November 15, 2024, by representatives from various environmental bodies concluded that exploratory drilling would likely have limited immediate environmental impact. However, they firmly opposed any commercial drilling within the ESZ. The committee acknowledged the sanctuary’s significance for the Hoolock gibbon while expressing concerns about potential future impacts.

Conditions for Approval

The NBWL imposed stringent conditions to safeguard the environment. These stipulations include the installation of real-time digital surveillance systems, submission of detailed operational plans, minimal tree felling, and strict pollution control measures. Notably, any extraction of hydrocarbons discovered must occur outside the ESZ, ensuring the sanctuary remains protected.

Gibbon Species in India

India is home to two distinct hoolock gibbon species – the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock). Recent genetic studies conducted by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology revealed that these populations may actually represent one species, diverging from a common ancestor approximately 8.38 million years ago. This insight challenges previous classifications based solely on coat colour.

Conservation Status and Threats

All gibbon species, including hoolock gibbons, face a high risk of extinction due to various conservation challenges. Habitat loss from deforestation, particularly for infrastructure projects, poses the greatest threat to these primates in India. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the western hoolock gibbon as endangered and the eastern hoolock gibbon as vulnerable. Both species are also protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act of 1972.

Hoolock gibbons are the smallest and fastest apes.
They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests in Southeast Asia.
Genetic studies show a common ancestor for hoolock gibbons diverged 8.38 million years ago.
The western hoolock gibbon is classified as endangered by the IUCN.
The ESZ of Hollongapar extends over 264.92 square kilometres.

Future Implications

The decision to allow exploratory drilling has implications for both energy development and conservation efforts. The NBWL’s conditions aim to mitigate environmental impacts, but the long-term effects on the Hoolock gibbon’s habitat remain uncertain. The balance between development and conservation will be crucial for the future of this unique wildlife sanctuary.

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