Residents of Kanniyakumari district have objected to the Union government’s plans for oil exploration off the Kanniyakumari coast. They say this could severely impact the Wadge Bank Ecosystem, a part of the sea that is a fertile fishing ground and rich in biodiversity.
The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Directorate of Hydro-Carbon has recently put out Notice Inviting Offers (NIO) for the exploration and development of oil and gas blocks in India, under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
In his letter to Abilash Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, former IAS officer M.G. Devasahayam said it was unfortunate that the Ministry had floated bids without due diligence, environmental and economic impact assessments or consultations with the public who are likely to be badly affected.
