PMK flays nod for 5th hydrocarbon project

“Already, there are four hydrocarbon extraction schemes implemented in the state and if the fifth scheme is implemented, the Cauvery Delta region would turn into a desert. PMK along with farmers had been demanding the Centre not to grant permission for hydrocarbon schemes and to respect the sentiments of the farmers.

The Centre should not go for new hydrocarbon schemes,” said Ramadoss, in a statement.

He also said that with the intention to reduce the import of petroleum products, the Union government has already completed auctions for four hydrocarbon schemes and on Wednesday a new announcement for another round of auction for fifth hydrocarbon scheme has been announced by the Centre.

The fifth hydrocarbon extraction scheme aims at extracting carbon at an area of 19,789 square kilometres and among that 4,064.22 square kilometres would be implemented in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The offshore extraction would extend from Puducherry till Karaikal and the intermediate area falls under the territory of Tamil Nadu.

Ramadoss further said that the area between Puducherry and Karaikal is rich in marine resources and if offshore exploration is done the marine resources would be affected.

“Livelihood of fishermen in Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts and in Puducherry and Karaikal would be completely affected if offshore exploration of hydrocarbon is carried out,” said Ramadoss.