Tamil Nadu objects to GAIL's Rs 3,000-cr project

Writes to PM Modi seeking amendment to Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act 1962

Tamil Nadu once again raised concerns over GAIL's Rs 3,300 crore pipeline project stating that it will result in irreparable damage to thousands of farmers. The state also wants amendment in the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, asking for his intervention in the matter and asked GAIL to be part of the Expert Committee constituted by the State for the purpose of exploring possibility of laying pipes alongside the National Highways.

“This is a sensitive issue which has huge implications for the farmers and the common people of Tamil Nadu. It can be resolved through a joint constructive and accommodative approach and a solution can be arrived at to lay the pipelines along the National Highways,” she said.

Last  Tuesday, the Apex Court allowed GAIL to continue the project, which was stopped by Tamil Nadu in 2013 following farmers protest in seven districts of the state.