Guwahati, March 29 -- An environmentalist from Assam has urged the central government to withdraw its approval for Oil India Limited (OIL) to establish a research and development (R&D) centre within the eco-sensitive Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, a biosphere reserve known for its unique biodiversity and fragile ecosystem.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, designated a biosphere reserve in 1997, spans 765 sq. km across Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, with a core area of 340 sq. km. Renowned for its feral horses, the park is also home to endangered species such as the white-winged wood duck, Gangetic dolphin, and Bengal florican.

On March 27, Golaghat-based environmentalist Apurba Ballav Goswami addressed the Ministry of Environment, Forest...