Guwahati, Jan 24: The second regional workshop on recent advances in environment & forest laws with special reference to the oil & gas sector concluded at the State Convention Centre in Shillong on Thursday bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry, and environmental sectors.
Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with the Society for Petroleum Professionals (SPP) and jointly hosted by Oil India Limited (OIL) and ONGC, the workshop served as a crucial platform for addressing regulatory challenges and advancing sustainable energy development in the Northeast.
Deputy Director General (Forests), MoEF&CC, Imtienla Ao, updated 19 regulatory issues identified in the 2019 workshop, emphasizing the need for a synergistic approach between oil companies and the ministry to balance progress with conservation.
SPP President Yash Malik advocated for streamlined approvals for energy projects near international borders, recognizing their critical role in India’s energy security.
SPP general secretary Joydev Lahiri stressed the importance of sector-specific regulations, distinguishing oil & gas exploration from mining to ensure practical compliance measures.
Additional Secretary, MoEF&CC, Dr. Amandeep Garg, acknowledged the complexity of environmental clearances, stating that a one-size-fits-all approach is impractical, urging for customized solutions based on project scale and impact.
Adding a creative dimension, the “Saving What Matters” initiative, curated by Social Friendly and photographer Shreejit Borthakur, showcased a Birds of the Northeast photo exhibition, highlighting the region’s ecological wealth.
The workshop reinforced the need for sustainable energy practices, fostering dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers. As India strides towards energy self-reliance, such initiatives play a pivotal role in harmonizing industrial growth with environmental conservation, ensuring a balanced future for the Northeast and beyond.
