M Thambidurai says would not allow any industry that affects people of Tamil Nadu

Amid opposition to some new hydrocarbon projects in Tamil Nadu, senior AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai Wednesday asserted the party government would not allow any industry that "affects" the people of the state. 

Thambidurai was reacting to questions from reporters on Vedanta Limited and state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) recently bagging hydrocarbon exploration projects reportedly in some pockets of the state. "...permission, including land, for the project has to be given by the state government. If it affects people, permission for the project will not be given by the AIADMK government," he said. 

As opposition DMK flayed the Centre for awarding the oil exploration contracts in Cauvery delta region, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had Tuesday said the government would not allow any project that 'affects' people. 

The main opposition DMK has announced a protest against the "fascist BJP government" for awarding the contracts. Mining mogul Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd walked away with 41 out of 55 oil and gas exploration blocks offered in Open Acreage Licensing Policy OALP-1, contracts for which were signed two days ago. 

Of the oil and gas exploration areas awarded under India's maiden open acreage auction, mining mogul Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Limited has bagged 41 of the 55 blocks offered in OALP-1. 

The firm is at the centre of a row in Tamil Nadu, following the closure of its Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin over environmental concerns. Various other parties have also expressed their opposition to the projects.

(With inputs from agencies.)