The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) in Tamil Nadu has granted environmental clearance to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for drilling 20 onshore exploratory wells in the Ramanathapuram district. 

The clearance allows ONGC to explore for oil and gas across a 1,403 sq. km block in the Ramnad sub-basin.

While the clearance has been granted, ONGC must still obtain a Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) from the State Industries Department before it can begin operations.

The move has drawn strong opposition from various political parties and local activists, who have expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts, including groundwater depletion. 

The proposed wells are located near ecologically sensitive zones, including the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, raising further concerns among environmentalists and local farmers.