Approval Granted for Brahmaputra Tunnel Project with Wildlife Safeguards

Wildlife Board Approves Tunnel Project

Guwahati, July 11: The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved the proposed tunnel project across the Brahmaputra River, linking Gohpur and Numaligarh. However, they have mandated a thorough scientific assessment to evaluate the project's potential effects on soil stability, groundwater flow, sediment dynamics, and seismic risks.

The committee emphasized the necessity to ensure that the project does not negatively impact wildlife and their habitats in the areas surrounding the construction sites. They instructed the user agency, NHIDCL, to contribute to a fund managed by the Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam, aimed at implementing measures to mitigate any adverse effects from the project.

A comprehensive Human-Animal Conflict Mitigation and Wildlife Conservation Management Plan must be developed. The construction of the four-lane tunnel will require approximately 13.77 hectares of forest land within the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve's tiger corridor in Golaghat district, along with 61.5028 hectares of non-forest land in the eco-sensitive zone of Kaziranga in Sonitpur district. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has endorsed the proposal, contingent upon specific conditions.

The NBWL has stipulated several conditions, including minimal tree removal, stringent management of excavation debris and effluents, and ensuring zero discharge into wetlands or the Brahmaputra River.

Additionally, the board has requested the installation of acoustic barriers and dust suppression systems at the construction site, along with careful management of explosives and machinery to minimize noise and vibrations.

During the meeting, the committee was also briefed on a proposal to modify the boundaries of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which involves excluding 470.67 hectares and including 564.83 hectares. This adjustment incorporates forest land and three blocks of revenue land into the sanctuary. The entire sanctuary area was not previously transferred to the Forest Department, as it contained agricultural fields and private residences. The new proposal aims to exclude these fields and homes while preserving reserve forests and including adjacent wetlands in the sanctuary.

Following discussions, the committee resolved to form a site inspection team, which will include Dr. R Sukumar, a member of the NBWL, along with representatives from the Ministry and the State Forest Department, prior to finalizing the proposal.