The Indian government has approved exploratory drilling for oil and gas in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam.
This decision has sparked concerns over environmental damage, particularly regarding the sanctuary’s biodiversity, including the endangered hoolock gibbons.
About Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Assam, India
Established: 1997 (originally as Hollongapar Reserve Forest), renamed in 2004.
Significance:
Only habitat of hoolock gibbons in India
Rich biodiversity with both flora and fauna
Bordered by the Bhogdoi River
Terrain: Alluvial semi-evergreen forests with patches of wet evergreen forests
Flora
Upper canopy: Dominated by Hollong trees (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus) along with Sam, Amari, Sopas, Bhelu, Udal, and Hingori.
Middle canopy: Features Nahar trees.
Lower canopy: Composed of evergreen shrubs and herbs.
Fauna
Primates (Notable for high diversity)
Hoolock Gibbons (Only apes found in India)
Bengal Slow Loris (Only nocturnal primate in Northeast India)
Stump-tailed macaques
Northern pig-tailed macaques
Eastern Assamese macaques
Rhesus macaques
Capped langurs
Other Mammals
Indian elephants
Tigers
Leopards
Jungle cats
Wild boars
Civets
Squirrels
About Hoolock Gibbons
Smallest and fastest apes, found in tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia.
Only ape species in India.
Known for:
High intelligence
Strong familial bonds
Tree-dwelling (arboreal) lifestyle
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List:
Western hoolock gibbon – Endangered
Eastern hoolock gibbon – Vulnerable
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (Highest protection level).
Concerns Regarding the Approved Drilling
Loss of Habitat:
Drilling may lead to deforestation and habitat destruction, endangering gibbons and other species.
Disruption to Ecosystem:
Noise, pollution, and land disturbances can disrupt wildlife behavior and migration patterns.
Threat to Endangered Species:
Hoolock gibbons are highly dependent on tree cover; habitat fragmentation can critically impact their survival.
Risk of Environmental Pollution:
Potential oil spills, chemical leaks, and water contamination could harm biodiversity.
Conclusion
The approval of exploratory drilling in the eco-sensitive zone of Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary poses serious environmental threats.
Given its critical role in conserving endangered hoolock gibbons and other wildlife, environmentalists and conservationists have raised strong opposition.
Sustainable alternatives and conservation-focused policies need to be considered to balance economic development with environmental protection.
