Local Residents and Activists Rally Against Tungsten Mining in Madurai
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Chennai, Dec 10 (NationPress) Social activists and community members maintained their demonstrations on Tuesday opposing the proposed tungsten mining project in the Madurai district, calling on the Central Government to abandon the plan.
The protests were ignited by a resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday, which officially opposes tungsten mining within the state.
The protestors have urged the Union Government to retract the project, which could potentially impact around 5,000 acres of land in the villages of Arittapatti and A. Vellalapatti.
This area encompasses agricultural fields and sites of significant historical importance.
Mugilan, the coordinator of the Tamil Nadu Environment Protection Committee and a prominent figure in the movement against the project, disclosed that the Central Government had evaluated 38,500 acres across Madurai, Dindigul, and Sivaganga districts for potential tungsten extraction.
Karnan, the coordinator of Parambumalai Pathugappu Iyakkam and another leading voice in the protests, pointed out that countries like China and Spain have canceled tungsten mining projects due to their detrimental environmental effects.
Mugilan cautioned that should the Union Government proceed with the project, there will be extensive and vigorous protests.
Reports indicate that the Union Government is currently re-evaluating its stance on the mining project.
This reassessment follows a communication from Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai to Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, advocating for the cancellation of the mining plans. In reply, Kishan Reddy assured Annamalai that the Centre would reconsider its decision.
Annamalai linked the situation to the Tamil Nadu Government's inability to effectively convey its objections to the Union Government, resulting in the tender being awarded to Hindustan Zinc Limited.
Annamalai underscored that the Modi government prioritizes the welfare of farmers, asserting that it would not engage in initiatives detrimental to their interests.
"Under the adept leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government has consistently enacted policies that enhance the welfare of farmers," Annamalai stated.
He also called on the Centre to ensure that no future mining projects are approved near biodiversity heritage sites in Madurai, thereby protecting the environment and local communities.
The proposed mining zone is home to numerous historical landmarks, including cave temples, Jain temples, Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, and Panchapandavar beds.
