‘Save Neduvasal’ movement gathers momentum in Chennai

Ramkumar R, a resident from Pudukottai, who works in Chennai, said the hydrocarbon exploration and extraction project will affect 100 villages around Neduvasal, which are key agricultural areas. 

He said, “Food safety will be a major cause for concern in the future. Hydrocarbon extraction project is known to affect the ground water levels, which will seriously hit agriculture. People, who have worked hard on the fields to educate their children, will suffer. In addition, there will be massive health problems and the rich flora and fauna will also disappear. In addition, hydrocarbon contains toxins such as benzene, which is highly dangerous and can adversely affect the kidney, brain and nervous system.” 

Residents of Pudukottai have been protesting the project, citing that the exploration efforts have already affected their lands. 

“Some of the exploration tunnels dug years ago, are leaking gas, which can be dangerous. Some of the pits are also releasing a black sludge-like substance. Apart from protesting, we have also launched a two-wheeler campaign, which will go around towns near Neduvasal to create awareness,” added Ramkumar. 

In Chennai, a group of IT professionals held a protest at ELCOT-SEZ on February 22. Levin Madhusudhan, a 27-year-old IT employee, said they wanted to let people know what was happening beyond the tech corridors. 

“These farmers, who have been supplying food for the rest of the state, have been protesting for the last six days. But many in Chennai are unaware of it. We wanted to create awareness that our food security in future is at risk,” he added. Naresh R, a techie, said he attended this protest as he understood the importance of agriculture. 

“We have to respect our farmers. There are many private companies which use agricultural land and water. This is not only unfair but also detrimental to agriculture which is the backbone of our country. That’s why I wanted to be part of this protest,” he concluded.