Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Tinsukia: On World Environment Day, wildlife conservationist Devajit Moran urged the Assam Government to revoke the reported permission granted for oil drilling in the Upper Dehing forest area of the Dehing Patkai landscape in Tinsukia district.
He said the proposed activity could affect the rainforest ecosystem in the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Moran questioned the relevance of observing World Environment Day while allowing industrial activities in a forest often referred to as the “Amazon of the East.”
He said oil exploration in the Upper Dehing area could cause ecological damage and affect the ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife species.
According to Moran, the Upper Dehing forest is an important habitat for Asian elephants and several rare and endangered species.
He said the rainforest is home to Assam’s state bird, the White-winged Wood Duck, eight species of wild cats, more than 350 bird species, over 300 butterfly species, and more than 150 orchid varieties.
The forest is also home to the endangered Hoolock Gibbon, Stump-tailed Macaque, Slow Loris, several other primate species, reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of plant species.
Moran described Dehing Patkai as a biodiversity-rich landscape and questioned the decision to permit industrial activity in the area.
He said economic development should be balanced with environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
The conservationist appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and officials of the Digboi Forest Division, including the Divisional Forest Officer, Range Officers and other forest authorities, to review the reported clearance.
He urged the authorities to ensure that oil drilling activities do not affect the ecological integrity of the Upper Dehing forest.