Terming the hydrocarbon exploration and extraction project at Neduvasal as a threat to the livelihood of farmers, the People’s Welfare Front (PWF) on Tuesday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shelve the project immediately.
To press their demand, the constituents of PWF — the CPI(M), the CPI and the VCK — staged a demonstration at Alangudi.
Speaking at the protest, CPI(M) state secretary G. Ramakrishnan said that it was unfortunate that the Centre had given permission to a private company without consulting the State government. “Moreover, it was mandatory for the governments to consult stakeholders and conduct public hearings before deciding on major projects. However, this has not been done with regard to the hydrocarbon project,” he said.
He said that the project had been planned on fertile land and would pose a threat to farmers’ livelihood, adding that if it was not shelved immediately, the PWF would launch a movement by organising massive protests.
Pointing out that Neduvasal was part of the delta region, R. Mutharasan, the State secretary of the CPI, said that the Central government had not considered the livelihood aspect of farmers before deciding on the project. Mr. Mutharasan said that the State government should have taken a tough stance to prevent the project and that it should not shy away from its duty of protecting the farmers’ interests.
VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said the project would tap oil, methane gas, lignite and other natural reserves, adding that the extraction would affect farming activities. Earlier, MDMK general secretary Vaiko led a demonstration at Neduvasal.
‘No clearance yet’
Meanwhile, Environment Minister K.C. Karupanan stated that the State government would take an ‘appropriate decision’ on the Neduvasal hydrocarbon project.
Talking to mediapersons, he said the oil companies were only preparing to extract hydrocarbon from the deep borewell on a commercial basis and were yet to approach the government for clearance.
