Response by Bonani Kakkar to the report filed by the Committee on blowout at well No. 5 in OIL India's Baghjan field, Assam, 20/01/2021
Response on behalf of Bonani Kakkar to the progress report dated October 31, 2020 submitted by the Committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal. The matter related to blowout at well No. 5 in OIL India's Baghjan field, Assam in June 2020.
The report stated that the progress report concentrated heavily on issues relating to compensation for the local population, consultations and field visits by the Committee have established that there have been widespread and severe damage to the flora, fauna, soil, water and air around Baghjan.
The Progress Report reiterated the findings of earlier reports by the Wildlife Institute of India and other experts consulted by the Committee. However, it appeared that there has been virtually no study of the impact on the Dibru Saikhawa National Park (DSNP). There was also convergence among the experts that more time and research was needed to establish the complete extent of impact. It appeared from the report that some more time was needed to conclude the work of the Committee. It was prayed that the Committee be given time till March 31, 2021, to complete its assessment of damage caused by the blowout and fires not only on the Maguri Matapung wetland/grassland ecology but also on the DSNP, the response filed by the applicant, Bonani Kakkar with the NGT said.
Note: The report of January 20, 2021 was uploaded to the NGT site on February 12, 2021.
The report mentions date of January 8, 2020 but it should be January 8, 2021.