ONGC trying to revive exploration in Cauvery delta, says farmers’ association

The Tamizhaga Cauvery Vivasayigal Sangam has alleged that attempts were being made to revive the oil wells of the ONGC in the delta region from 2021 onwards.

Addressing the media at Tiruvarur on November 3, association general secretary P.R. Pandian said the ONGC was made to withdraw its equipment and other machinery from the delta region once the previous AIADMK regime declared it as a protected agricultural zone. But the ONGC started attempting to revive its project of tapping hydrocarbon and others from the wells after the regime change in 2021, he alleged.

Of late, the ONGC reportedly started convincing the local people at Periyakudi in Tiruvarur district where it had ascertained a huge hydrocarbon reserve. The local people were lured with self-employment offers and others.

The association urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the protection of agricultural operations in the delta region and not allow such activities.