Mining at Dibru-Saikhowa; Gauhati High Court slaps fine on Forest Department

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the State Forest Department for not submitting the requisite affidavit in PIL No. 35/2020 filed by Mrinmoy Khataniar and others.

The petitioners have challenged the legality and validity of the environmental clearance/approval dated May 11, 2020 granted by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change to OIL (Oil India Limited) for extension of drilling and testing of hydrocarbons at seven locations within the Park.

The fine was imposed by the Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court, comprising Chief Justice (acting) N. Kotishwar Singh and Justice Manish Choudhury, after hearing the petitioners' counsel, Debajit Kr Das.

The next hearing on the matter will take place after three weeks, i.e., on November 19 for consideration of stay on the 'Environmental Clearance' granted for the seven hydrocarbon projects in the eco-sensitive Dibru Saikhowa National Park, said advocate Harish Betala.

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