New delhi, Dec. 11 -- Congress MP Sashikanth Senthil raised a concern in the Lok Sabha on Thursday over the proposed oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mannar, a biosphere reserve in Tamil Nadu, citing the potential threat to the livelihood of fisherfolk in the region.
Senthil pointed out that the NITI Aayog has declared the Wadge Bank and the Gulf of Mannar as sensitive regions that cannot be disturbed, and urged the government to reconsider its decision.
"The Gulf of Mannar is a very sensitive region, crucial for the fisherfolk of Tamil Nadu. Any exploration in this area will affect the fishermen in the long term," Senthil said, expressing concern over the lack of consultation with the state government and the local communities.
He...