T.N. Assembly adopts resolution against tungsten mining in Madurai

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday (December 9, 2024) adopted a resolution in the Legislative Assembly urging the Union government to immediately cancel the tungsten mining rights granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited in Nayakkarpatti village, Melur taluk, in Madurai district.

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday (December 9, 2024) adopted a resolution in the Legislative Assembly urging the Union government to immediately cancel the tungsten mining rights granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited in Nayakkarpatti village, Melur taluk, in Madurai district.

Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, who moved the resolution, alleged that the Union government had disregarded the objections put forth by the State government while proceeding with the auction of mining rights of critical and strategic minerals. “It is highly condemnable,” he said.

The resolution pointed out that Arittapatti, the region where tungsten mining is to take place, was declared a biodiversity heritage site in 2022.

“It includes many historical monuments such as cave temples, Jain temples, Tamil Brahmi scripts, Panchapandavar beds, and it is also a habitat for rare species. The Union government has granted rights to carry out mining rights in these areas. The people of Tamil Nadu and the government of Tamil Nadu will never accept this step,” Mr. Duraimurugan said.

He said since the Union government’s action had created a sense of anxiety among the people living in the area, they were resorting to protests, as tungsten mining would permanently affect their livelihood.

“Considering all these issues and to protect the area and the people living in the area, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had already urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel the tungsten mining rights granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited,” the resolution said.

When BJP floor leader Nainar Nagendran said the State government should have brought it to the notice of the Centre immediately after the project was conceived, Mr. Stalin wanted to know whether he was supporting the resolution or not. Mr. Nagendran then said “there will be good news that will bring relief to the people of the area.”