Tamil Nadu   

ONGC commences seismic survey off Cuddalore coast

Special Correspondent

Fishing activity not affected by the ongoing ONGC operation

CUDDALORE: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has started the seismic survey off Cuddalore coast to explore the prospects of offshore oil. For the purpose, it has deployed mv Geco Emerald, along with two smaller vessels and five fishing craft.

The ship, commissioned from Singapore, is carrying out an elaborate study about 12 nautical miles offshore. According to sources, the study was being done in the Bay of Bengal from Pondicherry to Kodiakkarai in Nagapattinam.

The ship had arrived in the Cuddalore waters on Monday, and it would be involved in the operation for the next 45 days. As per the ONGC's circular to the Fisheries department, the fishermen who are venturing into the sea, must stay clear of the course of the ship.

The ship, with attendance of five other smaller craft all in a row, has clearly demarcated its area of operation all along its course by floating buoys fitted with red flashlights.

The sources said after the study was completed the report would be submitted to the ONGC for further action.

It was stated that there were traces of fossil fuel at Thirumullaivasal off Poompuhar, and by scanning the coastal areas any more presence of the fuel could be identified.

The sources categorically said the fishing activity was not at all affected by this exercise, the ship was continuously on the move, and was never stationary at any one point.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

It's festival time
Garnishing food preparations
A welcome change
ONGC commences seismic survey off Cuddalore coast
Religious harmony can promote unity, says Barnala
Involve NGOs for early cancer intervention: Shantha
Briefly
Reader's Mail
Reader's Mail

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu