📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / AjayDas
Politics
Supreme Court Seeks Centre, Assam's Response on Oil India’s Proposed Drilling in Dibru-Saikhowa
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 05:37 PM
👁 13
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and the state of Assam to provide replies regarding Oil India’s plan to drill beneath the Dibru‑Saikhowa forest.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Union Government and the Government of Assam seeking their responses on Oil India Limited’s proposal to drill beneath the Dibru‑Saikhowa forest in Assam.
Oil India’s plan involves exploratory drilling in a region that is part of the Dibru‑Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot known for its mangrove ecosystems and endangered species.
The court’s notice comes amid growing environmental concerns, as the forest is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Forest (Conservation) Act. Stakeholders argue that drilling could threaten the fragile ecosystem.
The Centre and Assam are expected to submit their replies within a specified period, after which the court will decide whether the drilling can proceed or if further environmental clearances are required.
Oil India’s plan involves exploratory drilling in a region that is part of the Dibru‑Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot known for its mangrove ecosystems and endangered species.
The court’s notice comes amid growing environmental concerns, as the forest is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Forest (Conservation) Act. Stakeholders argue that drilling could threaten the fragile ecosystem.
The Centre and Assam are expected to submit their replies within a specified period, after which the court will decide whether the drilling can proceed or if further environmental clearances are required.