The Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) has sought government’s intervention on the proposed oil exploration activities in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB).
DIMAPUR — The Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) has submitted a representation to the government of Nagaland, seeking its “immediate” intervention and measures concerning the proposed oil exploration activities within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB).
In a representation addressed to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, the CNTC stated that it welcome the decision to initiate petroleum exploration in the State, considering the positive changes it could bring to the economy, employment and infrastructure.
However, it said the same must be “carried out in a lawful, transparent, consultative, and environmentally responsible manner, ensuring the protection of the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Nagaland”.
The representation, the CNTC has requested the state government ‘to clearly identify, officially demarcate and notify the precise geographical extent and boundaries of the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) where oil exploration is proposed to be undertaken’.
It said this is necessary to ensure transparency, prevent future disputes, clear apprehension, and safeguard the rights and interests of the affected communities.
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The Council also requested the government to convene a comprehensive consultative meeting with all stakeholders, including landowners, village councils, tribal hohos and civil society organizations, before proceeding with any oil exploration or drilling activities to ensure transparency, foster mutual trust and avoid future conflicts.
“The proposed consultative meeting should comprehensively deliberate upon the legal and policy framework governing oil exploration, the ownership and customary rights over land and natural resources, environmental and ecological safeguards, rehabilitation and compensation mechanisms wherever applicable, equitable benefit-sharing arrangements for the affected communities, employment opportunities for local youth, effective mechanisms for dispute resolution, and the establishment of a robust framework for long-term monitoring, regulatory oversight, and accountability,” read the representation.
The CNTC also urged the government to establish at least one oil refinery in the state, saying that it would bring substantial long-term economic benefits, including employment opportunities and enhancing regional energy security.
It further requested the government to ‘immediately suspend all ongoing drilling and oil exploration activities by Assam within the DAB until the issue is resolved amicably through mutual consultation’.
Proceeding with exploration activities without fulfilling prerequisites such as demarcation of area within DAB, environmental assessments, equitable benefit-sharing, recognition and protection of customary land and natural resource rights, etc. “may give rise to avoidable disputes, public unrest, legal complications, and the erosion of public confidence in the decision-making process”.
The CNTC went on to urge the Government to ensure that all oil exploration and drilling activities are undertaken in strict compliance with applicable environmental laws and standards.
“Necessary environmental assessments should be completed wherever applicable, and adequate measures must be adopted to prevent pollution, protect forests, water sources, agricultural land, and biodiversity, and minimize ecological damage. Continuous environmental monitoring and timely restoration of any environmental damage should also be ensured to safeguard the interests of present and future generations,” it stated.