TN Will Not Compromise Fishers' Interests Over Offshore Wells: Minister

The Tamil Nadu government will not compromise on the livelihood of fishermen or marine ecology while considering a proposal to drill four new offshore hydrocarbon development wells near Parangipettai in Cuddalore district, Forest and Climate Change Minister V K Rajiv informed the state legislative assembly in Chennai on Tuesday.

Responding to a calling-attention motion moved by legislators, Rajiv stated that the state government would thoroughly study the project's impact on marine resources and ecology before taking appropriate measures to safeguard the interests of local fishermen.

Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Ltd (HOECL) has obtained the terms of reference for an environmental impact assessment of the project from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and is pursuing the drilling of the four offshore development wells.

The Union ministry forwarded the company's application to the Cuddalore District Coastal Zone Management Authority (DCZMA) on June 9 for approval. The proposal is currently under the consideration of the DCZMA, the minister confirmed to the House.

Raising the issue during the calling-attention motion, Chidambaram MLA Thamim Ansari noted that previous DMK and AIADMK governments had maintained a firm stance against permitting companies to drill new wells along the coastline to protect traditional fishing livelihoods. He urged the present administration to maintain a similar stand against offshore drilling.