MDMK leader Vaiko on Monday warned the Centre that if hydrocarbon extraction project is implemented in the state, protests will intensify.

Vaiko, in a statement, said, “Hydrocarbon extraction will be a death blow to agriculture in the state and by giving permission, the Centre had planned to increase revenue for the corporates. People of Tamil Nadu will not help Centre to realise their plan and will protest in large numbers.” The Ministry of Environment and Forest gave permission to Vedanta and ONGC to conduct investigation for extraction of hydrocarbon in two pockets in the state, from Marakkanam in Villupuram district to Cuddalore, covering 1,794 sq km and from Parangipettai in Cuddalore district to Pushpavanam in Nagapattinam district, covering 2,674 sq km.

The permission given at the time of elections had created various controversies and politicians from across the state criticised the Centre. Even parties in alliance with the BJP have demanded the Centre to withdraw the permission given to extract hydrocarbon in the state.

Vaiko said that hydrocarbon extraction is done through hydrofracking method in which hole will be drilled for ten thousand meters beneath the ground and again two km horizontally in all the directions. The extraction of hydrocarbon will destroy farming and the resources available for farming.

Both the state and Centre should drop the idea of permitting companies to extract hydrocarbon and if they fail to drop the project, a huge protest will erupt in the state, warned Vaiko.