Gas pipeline: Environment Ministry to oppose any damage to agri lands

CHENNAI: Union Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan today said her Ministry will express opposition if there was any damage caused to agricultural lands or environment under the Kochi-Mangalore gas pipeline.

"We will surely express our opposition if there is any damage to farmlands or environment," she said.

Natarajan was responding to reporters' queries here on the Madras High Court green-flagging the GAIL initiative.

She, however, added that it should be seen what has been said in the High Court judgement and "then we will take action accordingly."

The Madras High Court had on November 25 quashed a state government order restraining implementation of Kochi-Mangalore gas pipeline project passing through agricultural lands in seven districts of Tamil Nadu.

Demands have been made from various quarters that the state government appeal against the High Court verdict.