Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], November 29 (HBTV): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to the Union Government urging the immediate cancellation of the Tungsten mining rights in Madurai district, citing concerns over potential environmental and cultural damage, particularly to the Arittapatti Bio-Diversity Heritage site, and the adverse impact on local communities.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Stalin highlighted the negative environmental and cultural consequences of allowing mining in areas rich in biodiversity and archaeological significance.

The Tungsten block, located in the villages of Kavattayampatty, Ettimangalam, A Vallalapatty, Arittapatty, Kidaripatty, and Narasingampatty, includes the Arittapatti area, which is a notified Bio-Diversity Heritage site. Arittapatti is known for its ancient cave temples, Jain monuments, Tamil Brahmi scripts, and the historical Pancha Pandavar stone beds. CM Stalin emphasized that mining activity in the region would cause irreparable damage to these invaluable heritage sites.

In addition to environmental concerns, Stalin expressed deep apprehension about the social and economic impact on the densely populated villages surrounding the mining site.

Stalin's letter also referenced concerns raised by the state government in October 2023, which were dismissed by the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal, and Mines. The minister had stated that the auctioning of critical minerals could not be withheld in the larger interests of the country. Despite the state's objections, the Union Ministry of Mines declared Hindustan Zinc Limited as the preferred bidder for the Nayakkarpatti Tungsten block in November 2024.

In light of this, the Chief Minister has urged the Union Government to instruct the Ministry of Mines to cancel the award of the mining rights and ensure that future mining auctions are conducted only with the consent of the concerned state government. CM Stalin reaffirmed that the Tamil Nadu government would never allow mining in these ecologically and culturally sensitive areas.

(ANI)