Won't allow project affecting TN: O Panneerselvam

Chennai: Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam has asserted that the state government will not allow any projects that will affect people.

Reacting to the increasing opposition to the hydrocarbon exploration, especially in the wake of the Centre awarding of three blocks to the Vedanta Group, which owns the Copper Smelter plant in Thoothukudi, and ONGC, Panneerselvam said, “The government will completely oppose any project that could affect the people of Tamil Nadu.”

What had incensed the farmers and parties, alike, is the agreements for contracts awarded under the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) Bid Round - I for hydrocarbon exploration in 55 blocks across the country were signed in the presence of the union minister.