The Assam government has decided to seek clearance from National Board for Wildlife for two oil and power sector projects based in and around the capital city. The decision, which was taken yesterday at a State Board for Wildlife meeting chaired by forest minister Rakibul Hussain, was aimed at speeding up the revival of Chandrapur thermal power plant and implementation of the aviation turbine fuel pipeline project of Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The proposals for clearance were pending since a long time. “The proposals were discussed and will now be sent to the wildlife board seeking clearances so that the projects can start,” Hussain told The Telegraph. According to the rulebook, any project proposed within a 10-km radius of a national park or wildlife sanctuary must obtain clearance from the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife. Both projects lie within a 10-km radius of Amchang, Pobitora and Deepor Beel wildlife sanctuaries. While the Chandrapur power plant lies close to Amchang and Pobitora wildlife sanctuaries, the IOCL pipeline passes within 10 km of the Deepor Beel wildlife sanctuary. Revival of the Chandrapur thermal power plant is an important project for the city, as it will help improve the power position. Imperial APGCL Power Limited, a joint venture company comprising Imperial Energy and Construction Private Limited, Imperial Fastners Private Limited, Intelli Mine Incorporated and Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), is reviving the 60MW coal-based plant. The project site, spread over an area of about 314 square km, occupies around 113.52 sq km (36.2 per cent) of forestland. The project proponents will also raise a greenbelt, spread across about 23 acres (more than 33 per cent), around the plant site. A source said the authorities were desperately trying to start generation from the plant within a year but the clearances were taking a long time in coming. “The National Board for Wildlife thoroughly discusses project proposals and keeps in mind the wildlife aspect so that it does not get undermined,” the source said, adding that the delay in clearance further delays commissioning of the projects. On the other hand, Guwahati Refinery is laying down an 8-inch aviation turbine fuel underground pipeline to the LGBI airport. The pipeline is aimed at reducing the traffic load created by plying of fuel-laden trucks from the refinery to the airport. The 35-km pipeline will be commissioned 18 months after the clearances are received.