TIRUCHY: Farmer leader PR Pandian on Tuesday alleged that there is a threat of explosion at the hydrocarbon exploration well at Periyakudi in Tiruvarur district and appealed for the particular well's permanent closure.
Speaking to reporters in Tiruvarur, PR Pandian referred to an incident in Andhra Pradesh, "As there was a flame in an exploration well at Andhra Pradesh, the people residing adjacent to the spot were evacuated for safety. As the particular well was said to be a low-pressure well, the officials asked the people not to panic."
He then alleged, "But a similar hydrocarbon exploration well was in flames at Periyakudi in Tiruvarur on April 6, 2013, and soon it was closed temporarily, but there is information that the particular well, which is a high-pressure exploration well, was in the process of reopening and the state government has reportedly supported the ONGC for resuming the exploration activities."
He also said that, in the Delta region, being a protected agricultural zone, the resumption of exploration activity should be illegal and the government's indirect support should be condemnable.
"At this juncture, if the well is not closed permanently, the farmers from the region would commence a series of protests," warned Pandian.