Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Thursday (February 27, 2025) demanded that the Central government drop the proposed bidding for gas exploration launched by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for a block in the Gulf of Mannar along the coast of southern Tamil Nadu. He contended that it would affect the fishing economy and livelihood of fishermen.
The Union Ministry had earlier this month launched the tenth round of bidding for oil and gas exploration and production under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) for 25 blocks across the country. One of the 25 blocks proposed is in the Gulf of Mannar along the Tamil Nadu coast spread over 9990.96 sq.km.
Referring to reports over the bidding launched by the Union Ministry, the leader of the BJP ally quoted marine experts to contend that various fauna species would be severely affected by the proposed project.
He also said that fish populations in the region would decline and this, in turn, would affect the fishing economy. Fishermen were dissatisfied with the notification for the bidding, he said, and insisted that the Centre rescind the proposed project and withdraw the notification for the auction.
