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Opposition against the proposed tungsten mining project by Hindustan Zinc Ltd, a Vedanta subsidiary, in Tamil Nadu’s Arittapatti and surrounding regions, intensified, with political leaders lending support to villagers’ demand of its cancellation.
The project, located near Azhagar Malai, a region rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, sparked outrage among environmentalists and local communities. Protesters claimed the initiative threatens ancient Tamil sites, endangered species, and vital water sources in the area.
Congress MP from Sivaganga, Karti P Chidambaram wrote to the Union Minister For Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy expressing deep concern over the Centre’s approval to the Vedanta group to mine tungsten in Madurai district.
He said, I have written to @kishanreddybjp @MinesMinIndia expressing deep concern over the Govt’s approval of @Vedanta_Group @Hindustan_Zinc’s mining in Nayakkarpatti, Madurai. This project threatens biodiversity, local livelihoods, and the environment. The GOI must revoke this decision.”
He urged the central government to revoke the decision as it threatens biodiversity, local livelihoods and the environment.
Arittapatti, the state’s first biodiversity heritage site under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is at the center of the controversy. The region’s unique ecological and cultural significance has made it a vital preservation site.
The project involves 2,015 hectares of land acquired through a central government auction of critical minerals. Locals and leaders fear the mining will damage these invaluable resources.
Previously, CPI(M) MP Su Venkatesan was at the forefront of the opposition, urging the Tamil Nadu government to deny environmental clearances. “Arittapatti’s biodiversity and heritage cannot be sacrificed for mining profits,” he said.
Prominent leaders like Anbumani Ramadoss of PMK and TTV Dhinakaran of AMMK echoed these concerns. Ramadoss labeled the biodiversity as unparalleled, warning of “irreversible consequences,” while Dhinakaran highlighted the environmental risks, stating, “This ecosystem must be protected at all costs.”
Residents have staged protests, worried about threats to agriculture, water sources, and livelihoods.
This fresh controversy comes in the shadow of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Plant debacle, which faced closure in 2018 due to pollution allegations. That case highlighted environmental concerns, with courts siding against Vedanta multiple times.
Leaders and locals are urging the central government to revoke Hindustan Zinc’s mining permit. “Protecting Arittapatti’s environment and heritage is non-negotiable,” Venkatesan asserted, urging the Tamil Nadu government to intervene decisively.
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