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Dailymiorror.News,November 20th,2024: Villagers from Arittapatti, Melur, and neighboring areas in Madurai district, along with political leaders from various parties, have raised strong opposition to the proposed tungsten mining project by Hindustan Zinc Ltd, a subsidiary of Vedanta.
This protest is centered around concerns about the environmental damage and the destruction of ancient heritage sites, as the mining project is located near Azhagar Malai, a region rich in natural and cultural heritage.
CPI(M) MP from Madurai, Su Venkatesan, spearheaded the resistance against the mining project, emphasizing that Arittapatti is Tamil Nadu’s first biodiversity site and is now at risk due to this development. Hindustan Zinc Ltd has secured 2,015 hectares for the mining project via a central government auction for critical minerals.
The proposed mining site is just 1.5 km from Azhagar Malai and is home to several ancient Tamil inscriptions, megalithic sites, Jain settlements, stone pavements from the Sangam Era Pandya kings, and notable temples, Venkatesan pointed out.
“The Arittapatti area and its surrounding regions are of immense ecological and cultural importance. This biodiversity zone should not be compromised for mining activities,” Venkatesan stressed. He called on the Tamil Nadu government to deny the necessary environmental clearance and permits for the project, emphasizing the need to preserve this area for future generations.
In 2002, 193.215 hectares of land across Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram in Madurai district were designated as the ‘Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site’ under the Biological Diversity Act. Arittapatti is one of India’s 19 biodiversity heritage sites.
Arittapatti is known for its unique landscape of seven barren granite hillocks, which unexpectedly sustain 72 lakes, 200 natural springs, and three check dams. Among these is Anaikondan Lake, dating back to the 16th century Pandya kingdom.
The area is also home to megalithic structures, rock-cut temples over 2,200 years old, Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The region supports around 250 bird species, including the Laggar falcon, shaheen falcon, and Bonelli’s eagle. Endangered species like the slender loris, Indian pangolin, and python also call this region home.
Pattali Makkal Katchi leader Anbumani Ramadoss echoed Venkatesan’s concerns, warning that the proposed mining project would have irreversible consequences on the area’s biodiversity. He urged the central government to revoke the mining permit immediately.
TTV Dhinakaran, leader of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), also joined the protests, stressing the severe environmental risks posed by the project. “This region is home to 250 bird species, endangered animals, 72 lakes, and 200 natural springs.
Allowing tungsten mining here would cause irreparable harm to the ecosystem and the environment,” Dhinakaran said, calling for the cancellation of the mining permit.
Locals have raised concerns that the mining activities could devastate agricultural land and threaten their water sources. Villagers in Arittapatti have been protesting to urge the state government to intervene and prevent the clearance for the mining operation.
The protests come in the wake of Vedanta’s controversial involvement in the Sterlite Copper Plant, which faced protests in 2018 due to severe pollution concerns. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) ordered the plant’s closure, citing its harmful environmental impact.
Although Vedanta challenged the closure in court, the Madras High Court upheld the decision in August 2020, agreeing with the TNPCB’s assessment. Vedanta subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking to reopen the facility.
In February 2024, the Supreme Court called for a balance between public health concerns and economic interests, particularly given the plant’s significant pollution. While Vedanta proposed forming an expert committee to assess reopening conditions, Tamil Nadu opposed this, citing ongoing pollution issues at the site.
