Tamil Nadu CM objects to auctioning Cauvery Basin block, says it endangers ‘fragile marine ecosystem’

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly objected to the Union government’s notification for the auctioning of a Petroleum and Natural Gas block in the Cauvery Basin falling under the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, saying that such a project “endangers a fragile ecosystem.”

Seeking the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop the auction of over nine thousand square kilometres of the basin, CM Stalin wrote in a post on X, “The GoI’s auction notification for petroleum and natural gas exploration in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve endangers a fragile marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of lakhs of fishermen”.

Hon’ble PM Thiru. @NarendraModi, The GoI’s auction notification for petroleum and natural gas exploration in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve endangers a fragile marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of lakhs of fishermen.

Despite the serious ecological and socio-economic… pic.twitter.com/nznGaCxgf1

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 4, 2025

He further alleged that the Tamil Nadu state government was not consulted before the decision on the auction was made by the Union government. “Despite the serious ecological and socio-economic implications, the Tamil Nadu Government was not consulted before this decision. I urge your (PM Modi’s) immediate intervention to cancel this auction notification and protect our marine heritage and coastal communities”, his post read.

The CM cautioned against deep sea mining in the area, saying that such a project would “degrade the overall health of the ocean”. “It will also affect the livelihood of the lakhs of fishermen who depend on Gulf of Mannar for their sustenance”, the CM added.

The Directorate of Hydrocarbon, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued an auction notification for Petroleum and Natural Gas blocks on February 11. This notification includes 9990.96 sq km under the block name CY-DNHP-2024/1, situated in the Cauvery Basin, falling within the area of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, near the Palk Bay and Wadge Bank.

The Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve consists of a chain of 21 islands and adjoining coral reefs, spread over 560 sq kms off the coasts of Ramanathapuram and Thoothukhudi districts, supporting a wide variety of marine fauna. (ANI)