Centre clears oil exploration in disputed Assam-Nagaland border area of Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Jorhat https://mokokchungtimes.com/centre-clears-oil-exploration-in-disputed-assam-nagaland-border-area-of-hoollongapar-gibbon-wildlife-sanctuary-jorhat/ 
According to the minutes of the NBWL meeting, a team comprising officials from the Union Environment Ministry, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and the Assam Forest Department inspected the project site, located approximately 13 km from the sanctuary, on November 15. The inspection committee found that exploratory drilling would cause minimal damage but stated that commercial drilling would not be permitted. Vedanta Group provided written assurance that no commercial drilling will take place at the site.
However, a senior official from the ministry noted that exploratory drilling is a crucial first step in hydrocarbon extraction, which may eventually lead to commercial drilling. Another official added that the inspection committee’s report advised against any oil or gas extraction from within the ESZ, even if reserves are discovered.
Officials also confirmed that Vedanta Group has committed to using exploration solely for identifying hydrocarbon reserves, and any extraction, if reserves are found, will take place outside the
ESZ. The company further assured that no hazardous substances would be used during exploration. The Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary spans 20.98 sq km, while its ESZ extends to 264.92 sq km. This expansive ESZ ensures connectivity between the sanctuary, the Dissoi Valley Reserve Forest, and forested areas in Nagaland—vital for the seven primate species residing in the region. The sanctuary is already under strain from human activities, and a proposal to electrify a railway line passing through the sanctuary was recently recommended by the Standing Committee.
https://www.constructionworld.in/policy-updates-and-economic-news/centre-approves-drilling-in-assams-eco-sensitive-sanctuary/67565
Guardians of the Gibbons: can India save its only ape species from extinction? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwJWIecrx9o
The Guardian