Empowering Energy, Preserving Nature: Key Takeaways from Shillong’s Regional Workshop

Empowering Energy, Preserving Nature: Key Takeaways from Shillong’s Regional Workshop

The second edition of the Regional Workshop on Recent Advances in Environment & Forest Laws with Special Reference to the Oil & Gas Sector concluded successfully at the State Convention Centre, Shillong. Organized by the Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Shillong, in collaboration with the Society for Petroleum Professionals (SPP), and jointly hosted by Oil India Limited and ONGC Limited, the landmark event drew wide participation from government, industry, and environmental sectors. The event was managed by Social Friendly.

The Northeast Region (NER) is playing a pivotal role in India’s vision of achieving “Energy Independence by 2050.” With its contribution of 13% of crude oil and 16% of natural gas to the nation’s energy basket, India’s northeastern region holds immense potential, with 5.6 billion tonnes of oil equivalent (BTOE) hydrocarbon reserves yet to be tapped.

To address the region’s unique challenges in exploration and production (E&P) of oil and gas, the workshop brought together key stakeholders to address pressing environmental and regulatory challenges specific to the oil and gas sector, with a particular focus on the unique landscape of the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India.

Opening the discussions, Imtienla Ao, Deputy Director General (Forests), Regional Office, MoEF&CC, Shillong, revisited the 19 regulatory issues identified during the inaugural 2019 workshop, providing updates on their progress. Highlighting the collaborative potential of industry and government, she remarked, “Oil companies and MoEF&CC are partners striving to balance progress with conservation.”

In his opening address, Yash Malik, President of SPP, made a compelling case for classifying projects near international borders as Strategic Energy Projects of National Importance, emphasizing the need for streamlined approvals to bolster India’s energy security.

A.K. Mohanty, Additional Director General (Forests), MoEF&CC, joined the workshop virtually via video conferencing and delivered an insightful address, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to balance environmental conservation with industrial growth.

Joydev Lahiri, General Secretary, SPP, underscored the distinction between oil and gas exploration projects and open-cast mining, urging for a tailored regulatory framework to address the oil and gas sector’s unique operational challenges.

A highlight of the workshop was a dynamic panel discussion chaired by Dr. Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary, MoEF&CC, and moderated by Ao. The panel featured prominent representatives from Central and State government agencies, who attentively engaged with the pain points raised by the oil and gas sector and deliberated actionable solutions. Dr. Garg acknowledged the sector’s complexities, stating, “A one-size-fits-all approach is impractical. Every oil and gas project differs in scale and impact, necessitating a tailored environmental clearance process.”

Adding a creative touch, the workshop showcased a Birds of the Northeast photo exhibition as part of the Saving What Matters initiative. Presented by Social Friendly and acclaimed photographer Shreejit Borthakur, the exhibition highlighted the rich biodiversity of the Northeast.

This workshop reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration between industry, government, and local authorities to unlock the northeastern region’s immense potential while ensuring environmental sustainability. As India advances toward energy self-reliance, such initiatives serve as vital platforms for addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth for both the region and the nation.

More details available at: https://sfc.asia/events/workshop-on-environment-and-forest-laws-2025/

MIT University – Meghalaya announces the second International Educational Concord

MIT University – Meghalaya announces the second International Educational Concord

A Memorandum of understanding was signed between MIT University of Meghalaya – Shillong and Leeds Arts University (United Kingdom) on the 1st of April 2023. The MIT University, which is succeeding in its academic standards, has taken another step towards mounting its collaborative international projects to benefit the local students.

Dr. Malhar Pangrikar (Vice Chancellor), of MIT University-Meghalaya, and Professor Randall Whittaker, from Leeds Arts University signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with an intend for development of collaborative research projects, organization’s joint academic activities, such as: courses, conferences, seminars, symposia or lectures, exchange of publications and other materials of common interest. According to the MOU, exchanges will also be made in research, teaching personnel, placement and exchange of students, in joint venture with MIT University-Meghalaya.

The prestigious Leeds University (UK) is in the leading edge, specialized in the higher education of arts. The Artist, Mr. Patrick Heron, in his writing, the Guardian, described Leeds College of Art as “…the most influential art school in Europe since the Bauhaus. Dr. Malhar Pangrikar affirmed that, the memorandum of Understanding will be effective from the date of the MOU signed and to continue for a length of three years. The main objective to initiate such alliance is to attain a global platform, towards building sustainable practices, an exchange of the local students and faculties for a worldwide experience and comprehension.

The MIT University – Shillong offers exciting New – Age programs with exponential growth, application – oriented learning from industry experts, complete placement and academic support from parent organization MIT Group Institutions- Pune. The professional program includes the undergraduate and post graduate level to cite a few, Bachelor’s of Design-Product design, Graphic Design, and Experience Design, BBA Marketing, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, BBA, – LLB, B.Scs., – Nursing with specializations, BA B.Ed., MBA for working professionals etc. The programs at MIT are designed with an effort to build ‘sustainability’, and these associations help to bring the North East people on a global platform.

Presently the University is coming up with a new and permanent campus at Makasiang village – Mylliem block, East Khasi Hills with an endeavor to offer world-class amenities and infrastructure along with finest academicians to curate a well – rounded learning in the North Eastern Region.