Protests against ONGC’s hydrocarbon exploration: TN govt asks authorities to withdraw clearance

Chennai, The Tamil Nadu government has directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority to withdraw the clearance granted to ONGC for hydrocarbon exploration in Ramanathapuram district in the wake of widespread protests and staunch opposition from fishermen and political parties.

While the Tamil Nadu SEIAA had granted clearance to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation to carry out hydrocarbon exploration drilling in 20 wells in Ramanathapuram district, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu has asserted that the government will never allow such projects in the state.