BuzzBytes New Delhi, December 11, 2023— The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has taken steps to mitigate the impact of oil and gas extraction near wildlife habitats. An expert technical committee, including industry and forestry experts, submitted a report on the impact of Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) on forest biodiversity. Considering these findings, the Ministry issued guidelines exempting ERD technology from the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, in specified areas.
The Ministry emphasizes that it is the responsibility of state governments to ensure compliance with guidelines. The move aims to balance environmental conservation with the demands of industrial activities
