Exploration underneath Assam National Park receives Environmental Clearance

On May 20, 2020, the major exploration by the Oil India Limited beneath the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park of Assam received environmental clearance. There were concerns that the project would affect the flora and fauna in the region. The park is the only region in India that supports feral horses.

Highlights

• The Oil India Limited (OIL) has received environmental clearance from MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) to extend drilling and testing of hydrocarbons.
• The OIL is to implement extended reach drilling technology for which the company had obtained permission in 2016.
• The company will down carry out hydrocarbon exploration 1.5 km outside the demarcated area of the park. 
• The company has been performing explorations in the region for more than 15 years.

Feral Horse

• The Feral horse is not a true wild horse. 
• The only true wild horse that exists today is the Przewalski’s horse, that are native to Central Asia. 
• The Prezewalski horse was first classified as extinct by the IUCN red list. 
• Later, they were reclassified as critically endangered in 2008 and endangered in 2011.
• Australia has the largest population of feral horses in the world.

Extended Reach Drilling

• The Extended Reach Drilling Technology is directional drilling beneath the earth. 
• The technology aims to reach larger area and longer distances. 
• It is done to maximize productivity and drainage capability.