The Centre has clarified that hydrocarbon exploration in Tamil Nadu is neither hampering agriculture nor posing any environmental impact or health hazards on living beings in the operational area. <br/><br/>The clarification came in the backdrop of concerns raised over the impact of exploration and production activities in oil and gas fields on agriculture and contamination of water.<br/><br/>In a statement, Petroleum Ministry said, extraction of oil and gas is a well-established practice and state-of-the-art technology is used for the operations with maximum care for environmental concerns. Environment Impact Assessment is also done before carrying out any drilling and other related activities.<br/><br/> It said, process of drilling and production requires very limited surface land area and it will not affect agriculture or the soil of the entire lease area. Operators are also required to follow strict environmental norms for the use of operational land.