ONGC Gets Green Light for 20 Wells in Ramanathapuram

The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has granted environmental clearance to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to drill 20 onshore exploratory wells in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district.

Approved on March 11, the clearance covers a 1,403 sq. km block in the Ramnad sub-basin, where each well is planned to be drilled to depths of 2,000 to 3,000 meters over a four-month period. However, ONGC must still secure a Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) from the State Industries Department before beginning operations.

The proposed drilling sites are located near ecologically sensitive areas, including the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and several bird sanctuaries, raising environmental concerns. Local farmers have called for amendments to the Cauvery Delta Protection Act to extend its safeguards to the Ramanathapuram and Sivagangai districts.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.