Chennai, Aug. 24 -- The Tamil Nadu State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)has granted environmental clearance to ONGC for setting up hydrocarbon test wells in Ramanathapuramdistrict, triggering strong objections from various political parties, including ruling DMK's ally, the MDMKand the Opposition PMK.
As part of the initial phase of oil and gas exploration, ONGC will drill up to depths of 2,000 to 3,000 macross 20 locations in the district, according to reports.
Though ONGC has sought state approval, the Tamil Nadu government is yet to decide.
In the meantime, the SEIAA functioning under the union Environment Ministry, went ahead and grantedthe clearance.
Local residents and activists have raised strong objections,...