The letter issued by the divisional forest officer (DFO) said, "The area - Baghjan, Barekuri, Maguri-Motapung Beel - are declared as IBAs and falls under the eco-sensitive zone of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. The Pollution Control Board of Assam has also asked OIL to clarify allegations levelled in a petition filed by the Barekuri Village Tourism and the Asom Yuva Parishad. Barekuri Village Tourism president Diplop Chutia told The Telegraph, "We welcome the directive stopping OIL from proceeding with seismic survey in the area. He said the seismic survey would destroy the bio-diversity and eco-sensitivity of the belt, which attracts several migratory and rare birds. "Almost 1,000 families from over 15 villages are dependent on the area for livelihood as the region has immense potential of wildlife tourism," he added.

Source: The Telegraph January 27, 2018 19:52 UTC