Supporting the farmers, the State government on Wednesday announced that it will not grant approval for the hydrocarbon exploration project at Neduvasal in Pudukottai district.
According to an official release, during a meeting with representatives of farmers and residents of Neduvasal protesting against the project, Chief Minster Edappadi K. Palaniswami assured them that the State has not yet given the Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) for commercialisation of the project in the village.
As the farmers were apprehensive that their livelihood would be affected if the project was executed, the government would not grant permission for the project, he said, urging the protesters to withdraw their agitation.
The representatives had earlier urged the Chief Minister not to allow hydrocarbon extraction by ONGC as it will gravely affect farming in the area, located in the tail end of the Cauvery. Farming operations are taken up only from ground water resources and the project will sound the death knell of farmers, they told him.
In reply, Mr. Palaniswami told them that he had already conveyed their apprehensions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters after their meeting with the Chief Minister, C. Velu, coordinator of the struggle, said, “The hydrocarbon project is only under review and has not commenced yet. He [Chief Minister] assured us that the commercial licence will not be granted by the State at any cost.”
Besides, “the Chief Minister said he was also a farmer and understands our plight,” Mr. Velu said, adding that they will inform the protesters about Mr. Palaniswami’s assurance and decide whether to continue the protests or not.
Efforts were taken to meet the Union Petroleum Minister over the issue, he said. According to him, public hearing was not held for the project. “Instead, the ONGC officials convinced people to give land for the project,” he claimed.
