The Centre awarded contracts on Monday for 55 exploration blocks spread across 11 sedimentary basins across the country under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy
Political parties in Tamil Nadu and farmers' organisations have opposed the Centre's decision to explore and extract hydrocarbon in three blocks in the state, expressing apprehension that the move will render the Cauvery delta a desert and jeopardise food security.
The Centre awarded contracts on Monday for 55 exploration blocks spread across 11 sedimentary basins across the country under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy. In Tamil Nadu, one of the contracts went to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), while Vedanta Limited was chosen for the other two blocks.
Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday said that the state's AIADMK government will oppose any scheme that would be "harmful" to the state.
According to the Centre, hydrocarbon production from the blocks – Marakkanam to Cuddalore, Parangipettai to Velankanni and Kullanchavadi to Tharangapadi – will generate revenue in crores and provide jobs to hundreds of locals. But parties in TN are upset.
CPI state secretary R Mutharasan said the centre has failed to factor in the impact the hydrocarbon projects will have on the livelihood of the Cauvery delta farmers. "It is time for all the people to raise the voice in unison against the projects."
MDMK general secretary Vaiko warned of an "unprecedented people's protest" if the Centre did not scrap the projects in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Echoing the sentiments, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss too talked of large-scale agitations.
Farmers affiliated to the Tamilaga Cauvery Vivasayigal Sangam have decided to show black flags to the Governor during his visit to Tiruvarur on October 3. PR Pandian, general secretary of the association, said a coal-bed methane project with Mannargudi at its centre was scrapped by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa after farmers opposed it. Similarly, the hydrocarbon exploration at Neduvasal was put on hold after a sustained struggle by the farmers. Pandian said Wednesday's protest will be held near Vilamal bridge.
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