ONGC should shut operations in TN's Thanjavur

Political party leaders have asked the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) to shut its operations in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district following police action on people protesting against oil spill after a pipeline burst.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss demanded the ONGC to halt operations in Kadiramangalam village and also the removal of police force deployed there.

Ramadoss said he would camp and protest in the village if his demands are not met.

Known as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu", Thanjavur is located around 350 km from here.

According to Ramadoss, unlike in advanced countries where pipelines are laid in unpopulated areas, the ONGC has laid down its pipelines in a heavily populated area which is unsafe.

"It is as if people are residing on a volcano," Ramadoss said.

He also condemned police action against the protesters on Friday.

MDMK General Secretary Vaiko demanded the Tamil Nadu government to announce that it would not allow exploration of shale gas, methane or other hydro carbon in the state.

The ONGC began its Thanjavur operations in 2002.

--IANS

vj/ksk