Vadakadu residents end stir after Collector’s assurance

Even though the Neduvasal residents had withdrawn their agitation against the hydrocarbon extraction project on March 9, the people of Vadakadu continued their protest as they wanted a firm assurance from the government. 

A series of talks conducted by the officials and police earlier went futile and the protest continued. The protesters demanded that state government should immediately convene the Assembly and pass a special resolution to stop the hydrocarbon project at Neduvasal. They also pointed out that the ONGC has sunk six exploratory wells at Nallandarkollai, Vanakkankadu, Karukkakuruchi Keezhatheru, Kallaikkollai, two wells at Kottaikkadu and demanded closure of all the wells and pipelines. 

On Friday, the Sub-Collector Amrith convened a peace talk with the protesting residents but they wanted the Collector to chair the meeting and given an assurance that their demands would be fulfilled. 

On Saturday around 5 pm, Collector Ganesh met the people of Vadakadu in person and held talks with them after which he assured them of fulfilling their demands. Accepting his words, the residents announced withdrawal of their protest.