Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution to Revoke Tungsten Mining Rights in Madurai
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Chennai, Dec 9 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu government has officially passed a resolution in the Legislative Assembly, calling on the Union government to immediately annul the mining rights for tungsten that were awarded to Hindustan Zinc Limited in Nayakkarpatti village, Melur taluk, within the Madurai district.
Senior DMK leader and Water Resources Minister S. Duraimurugan introduced the resolution on Monday, accusing the Union government of ignoring the state government’s concerns as it proceeded with the auction for mining rights pertaining to essential and strategic minerals.
He strongly criticized the decision, asserting that the people and the government of Tamil Nadu would categorically reject it.
Duraimurugan pointed out that the mining rights were allocated for a site that was designated a biodiversity heritage site in 2022.
This area is rich in historical significance, featuring several monuments such as cave temples, Jain temples, Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, and the Panchapandavar beds, and serves as a habitat for numerous rare species.
The resolution further noted that Chief Minister M. K. Stalin had previously appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke the tungsten mining rights given to Hindustan Zinc Limited.
Recent reports indicate that the Central government is now contemplating the cancellation of its decision to mine tungsten in the vicinity of Arittapatti and other villages in the Madurai district.
This move comes after a letter from BJP state president K. Annamalai to Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, urging the cancellation of the mining plans.
In response, Kishan Reddy assured Annamalai that the Centre would reassess its decision. Annamalai attributed the issue to the Tamil Nadu government’s inability to effectively communicate its opposition to the Union government, which ultimately led to the tender being awarded to Hindustan Zinc Limited.
He further stressed that the Modi-led Central Government prioritizes the interests of farmers and would not undertake actions that are harmful to their welfare.
“Under the competent leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government has consistently implemented initiatives that enhance the well-being of farmers,” Annamalai stated.
He also urged the Centre to ensure that no future mining declarations occur near biodiversity heritage sites in Madurai, thereby protecting the environment and local communities.
