The debate over oil exploration in Assam’s Dibru Saikhowa National Park has once again sparked controversy following the denial of permission for extraction activities. Despite previous rejections citing environmental concerns, Oil India Limited (OIL) has sought approval to conduct research and development (R&D) studies using Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) technology. In a new development, the Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has recommended the proposal—though with strict conditions.
What is Extended Reach Drilling (ERD)?
ERD is a drilling technology designed to extract resources without disturbing the surface environment. It allows for horizontal drilling at depths of 3,500 to 4,000 metres, significantly reducing the risk of surface disruption.
OIL has proposed using this technology for research purposes only, aiming to study its environmental impact before considering full-scale extraction. However, given the fragile ecosystem of Dibru Saikhowa, environmentalists remain skeptical.
The Background: A History of Rejections
The current R&D project was introduced after the FAC rejected an earlier proposal to drill seven oil wells inside the national park. The decision was influenced by concerns over environmental safety, particularly in light of the 2020 Baghjan blowout, a massive oil field disaster that caused severe ecological damage.
Additionally, the Supreme Court has imposed strict regulations against mining activities in national parks and their buffer zones, further complicating OIL’s plans.
The Role of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Supporting OIL’s R&D initiative, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) argues that controlled drilling is essential to accurately assess the impact on biodiversity. The WII has been entrusted with conducting a five-year study covering various biogeographic zones. The objective is to develop site-specific recommendations that can minimize potential harm to the ecosystem.
Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Challenges
Despite technological advancements, conservationists continue to raise alarms over the risks associated with oil exploration in such an ecologically sensitive area. Key concerns include:
- Potential oil spills contaminating the fragile ecosystem
- Proximity to the Brahmaputra River, increasing the risk of water pollution
- Disruption of wildlife habitats due to underground drilling operations
The FAC’s initial rejection of the proposal was based on existing legal precedents and stringent environmental guidelines that restrict mining in protected areas.
Balancing Development and Conservation
The push for oil exploration in Dibru Saikhowa highlights the complex balance between economic development and environmental conservation. While OIL views ERD as a breakthrough for sustainable resource extraction, environmentalists fear irreversible damage to one of India’s most biodiverse national parks.
With strict regulatory oversight and continued scientific studies, the decision on whether ERD technology can safely coexist with conservation efforts remains uncertain. As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear—the future of Dibru Saikhowa’s ecosystem hangs in the balance.