Madurai MP meets Union Minister of Mines, calls for revoking nod given to mine tungsten in Melur region

In the wake of public outcry against giving permission to Hindustan Zinc to mine tungsten in the Melur region in Madurai district, Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan met Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on Tuesday, requesting him to revoke the allocation of the mineral block to the company in the said area.  

In the petition, he has stressed the ecological significance of the location earmarked for mining.  It said: “The mineral block put up for auction encompasses some of Tamil Nadu’s most significant historical landmarks. This includes relics dating back 3,500 years to the megalithic period, 2,200-year-old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, Jain beds, stone beds donated by Sangam-era Pandyas, and rock-cut-temples. It is the site preserving unique aspects of Tamil Nadu’s history. The area also has over 10 temples and a 200-year-old dargah. Notably, the renowned Azhagar hills, a symbol of Tamil Nadu’s cultural and ecological heritage, is situated just 1.5 km from the boundaries of the mineral block.” 

“Within the boundaries of mineral block, Arittapatti and its surroundings have seven contiguous hillocks, forming a unique terrain crucial as a water source for the region. This area includes 72 lakes, 200 natural springs, and three check dams. Importantly, the region is home to several endangered species including the Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, Bonelli’s Eagle, pangolins, Indian rock pythons and slender lorises.” 

Given the site’s unparallel historical and ecological significance, including it in the auction list for mining was a grave error, he said.  

“Establishing a tungsten mine here will not only devastate this heritage-rich terrain but also severely impact agriculture, grazing lands, and groundwater level, resulting in irreversible environmental damage,” Mr. Venkatesan added.  

Urging the Minister to revoke the allocation of the mineral block to Hindustan Zinc, he also requested him to ensure that this area of importance was excluded from future auctions by passing the necessary directives to the authorities concerned to protect the site. 

Published - November 27, 2024 08:43 pm IST