Plea in Madras HC against Neduvasal hydrocarbon project

A plea has been filed in the Madras High Court, seeking to quash award of a hydrocarbon project in Neduvasal to a Bengaluru-based firm in which an MP, who was a former union minister, reportedly had a direct connection.
The petition, filed by M Thamizaruvi Manian, president of Gandhiya Makkal Iyyakkam, a fringe political outfit, was heard by the First bench, comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar, which adjourned the matter to June 8.
Manian submitted that the hydrocarbon excavation project in Neduvasal in Pudukottai district had been awarded to Gem Laboratories Private Limited, Bengaluru, in clear violation of catena of Supreme Court judgements, wherein it was held they should only be done through public tender and not by e-bid.

The petitioner also alleged it was done on extraneous considerations and not through a fair and transparent policy.
He submitted that the former union minister's wife, who was a director in the company, held 19.66 per cent shares as did his brothers. This, he contended, was a clear violation of breach of privilege and misuse of public Office.
He also said wells dug by ONGC in the Cauvery region had caused adverse impact on the farming community in Tamil Nadu.

Manian alleged that by approving the project, the union government had made it evident it 'targeted' Tamil Nadu as a testing ground for schemes harmful to environment and people.

He also sought to quash the award granted in favour of the MP and an interim injunction on carrying out any activities pertaining to the project.
Claiming that there were incidents in Pennsylvania, Ohio in USA, where ground water as well as surface water had been contaminated due to leak of fluids from hydrocarbon projects, he wanted the Neduvasal project to be scrapped "as it could lead to radioactive contamination, water scarcity, air pollution, sand shifting and possibility of earthquakes."
It may be recalled that there have been protests by local people in Neduvasal against the hydrocarbon project, especially by the farming community.