The Tamil Nadu government has decided to cancel the environmental clearance granted to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for drilling 20 onshore exploratory hydrocarbon wells in Ramanathapuram district. The clearance, issued by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) in March 2025, allowed drilling up to 3,000 metres deep across a 1,403 sq km area near the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and bird sanctuaries. The project faced strong opposition from political parties, farmers, fishermen, and environmental groups who raised concerns about threats to agriculture, groundwater, coastal ecosystems, and livelihoods. Activists also pointed out procedural irregularities, including the clearance being posted on an outdated portal. The wells were planned across six taluks in Ramanathapuram and one in Sivaganga district. ONGC had applied for clearance in October 2023 but still requires a Petroleum Exploration License before proceeding. The cancellation reflects the political sensitivity of hydrocarbon projects in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 state elections, with the ruling DMK emphasizing protection of farmers and coastal communities. (Updated 25 Aug 2025, 18:44 IST; source: link)