M. K. Stalin to Honor Villagers in Madurai Following Tungsten Mining Project Cancellation
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M. K. Stalin will visit Arittapatti villagers in Madurai tomorrow to honor their efforts leading to the cancellation of the tungsten mining project, which raised significant environmental concerns.
Key Takeaways
- M. K. Stalin visits Arittapatti, Madurai.
- Celebration of tungsten mining project cancellation.
- Environmental concerns raised by locals.
- Area recognized as biodiversity hotspot.
- Political and community efforts led to successful cancellation.
Chennai, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and DMK President, M. K. Stalin, is set to visit the residents of Arittapatti in the Madurai district this Sunday to recognize their dedication and celebrate the cancellation of the tungsten mining project.
Tungsten is an essential mineral utilized across various industries such as electronics and aerospace.
In July 2024, experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) identified substantial tungsten deposits in Nayakkarpatti and Arittapatti, situated in Melur, Madurai district. Subsequently, the Union Ministry of Mines issued a tender for mining licenses to extract tungsten from 4,981.64 acres in these two villages.
The Vedanta Group's subsidiary, Hindustan Zinc, successfully won the bid in November 2024. However, the residents of 50 villages, including Arittapatti and Nayakkarpatti, vehemently opposed the project, voicing concerns over potential environmental degradation and threats to their livelihoods.
In 2022, the Tamil Nadu government designated the area as a biodiversity hotspot. Protesters contended that mining operations would jeopardize the fragile ecosystem and damage historical and cultural sites, including Tamil inscriptions and the Kudavar Temple.
In light of public dissent, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the cancellation of the project.
This Thursday, the Union government declared the cancellation of the Nayakkarpatti tungsten mineral block auction. The protesters rejoiced, viewing this as a triumph for the persistent efforts of local communities and political advocacy.
Chief Minister Stalin attributed the resolution to the state's resolve and the people's sentiments, affirming, “As long as I am Chief Minister, no mining activity will be permitted without the State's consent.”
Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy also made an announcement, crediting the decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dedication to safeguarding traditional rights and biodiversity.
Delegates from the Ambalakarar community and Tamil Nadu BJP leaders engaged with the Union Minister to support the project's cancellation.
The opposition leader and AIADMK General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, welcomed the decision, highlighting the importance of public protests and his party's initiatives.
“This is a victory for our relentless struggle to highlight the ruling DMK's mismanagement of the issue,” he remarked.
