Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has firmly opposed the union government’s decision to allow tungsten mining in the Arittapatti region and surrounding areas in Madurai district, emphasizing that the state government will not permit any mining activities in these areas. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Stalin urged the central government to revoke the mining rights awarded to Hindustan Zinc Limited for the Nayakkarpatti Tungsten block, which includes the Arittapatti area.
The Chief Minister highlighted the region’s cultural and ecological significance, noting that Arittapatti is a designated biodiversity heritage site known for its archaeological treasures, including cave temples, sculptures, Jain symbols, Tamil Brahmi scripts, and ancient stone beds. Stalin expressed concern that mining activities would irreparably damage these valuable heritage sites.
Stalin also pointed out that the proposed mining project could devastate the local communities. He stressed that the villagers, who depend on the region for their livelihoods, are deeply concerned about the impact of mining on their way of life. “The people of these villages fear they may lose their livelihoods permanently,” Stalin wrote, reiterating that the Tamil Nadu government would never allow such mining operations.
The controversy stems from the Union Ministry of Mines declaring Hindustan Zinc Limited as the preferred bidder for the tungsten block on 7 November 2024. The block spans several villages, including the ecologically sensitive Arittapatti, raising alarm among local residents and environmentalists.
In his letter, Stalin also referenced a previous communication sent by the Tamil Nadu government in October 2023, in which the state raised concerns over the auctioning of critical and strategic mineral mining rights. Despite these concerns, the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal, and Mines rejected the state’s objections, insisting that the auction process for such minerals must continue in the larger national interest.
Stalin has now called for the Prime Minister’s immediate intervention to cancel the mining rights and halt any future bids for mining without the state’s consent.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin urges PM Narendra Modi to cancel the award of Tungsten Mining rights in Madurai district to Hindustan Zinc Limited. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/wMXsvO3FFd
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) November 29, 2024
Projects Blocked By The DMK In The Past
This is not the first time the DMK has been standing in the way of projects that will provide jobs and development for the state of Tamil Nadu. Let us take a look at the other projects blocked by the DMK in the past – either through the form of protests or otherwise.
Sterlite
The Sterlite protests in Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) in 2018 centered around the demand for the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant, which was accused of causing environmental harm and health risks. The protests, which escalated into violent unrest, led to the shutdown of the plant and resulted in significant economic losses, including thousands of jobs. The protests were fueled by several NGOs and activists, including The Other Media (TOM), which orchestrated campaigns against the plant, alleging environmental violations. TOM, an NGO with foreign funding, came under scrutiny in 2023 for allegedly misusing foreign funds to agitate against Sterlite, with connections to groups like the World Association for Christian Communication and CORDAID of the Netherlands.
While the protests had a strong grassroots component, the role of political forces, particularly the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), was significant in amplifying the unrest. At the time, the DMK was in opposition, and it is believed that the party used proxies to fan the protests, aligning with local anti-Sterlite sentiments. The DMK’s support for the protests was evident through its associations with fringe elements like Mohan C. Lazarus, who instigated the Christian community to protest against the plant, claiming it was toxic and harmful without scientific evidence. Lazarus, who had links with the DMK, mobilized large crowds for protests, especially around March 2018.
Political parties like the DMK, Communist parties, and separatist groups such as the May 17 Movement also lent their support to the cause, further intensifying the protests. The media played a pivotal role in amplifying the activists’ narratives, with outlets like The News Minute and The Wire publishing sympathetic coverage of figures like Nityanand Jayaraman without revealing his affiliations with TOM, thus shaping public opinion and inflaming social tensions.
Defence Corridor
The DMK has faced criticism for not prioritizing industrial development in Tamil Nadu during its tenure at the Centre (2004-2014), particularly regarding the lack of efforts to establish significant projects like a defense industrial corridor. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) later initiated the defense corridor project, which was seen as a missed opportunity under DMK’s leadership. The DMK has not actively opposed the defense corridor but has been criticized for its earlier inaction and perceived failure to secure similar impactful investments for the region during its time in power.
Salem Expressway
The DMK (when in the opposition) had orchestrated a protest drama and spread baseless rumours about the project, which had caused a stir in the media. However, after assuming power, the DMK government has taken a completely different stance on the matter.
In September 2022, the DMK government reversed its position on the project, stating that it was not opposed to the project itself, but rather to how it was being implemented. The party’s minister for Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, EV Velu, stated that the DMK was well aware of the need for the project and had urged the previous government to settle the issues of farmers before proceeding with the project.
Methane & Neutrino Projects
The DMK has strongly opposed the Methane extraction project in the Cauvery delta and the proposed Neutrino project in Theni district due to their potential environmental impact. The party argued that these projects would harm agriculture, wildlife, and biodiversity, particularly in sensitive areas like the Cauvery delta and the Western Ghats. Protests against the Methane extraction gained momentum, especially after the DMK’s initial support for the project in 2011, which it later retracted, citing unfulfilled assurances about its environmental safety. The Neutrino project, planned for the Bodi West Hills, faced opposition from the DMK and local groups over concerns about its adverse effects on the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Mathikettan Shola National Park. The DMK led protests, ensuring the state government filed an affidavit to prevent the project, citing irreversible damage to ecosystems and wildlife corridors.
Hydrocarbon Project
In 2018/19, the DMK (as the opposition) strongly opposed the Centre’s hydrocarbon exploration project in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta, citing its threat to agriculture and the ecosystem. Party cadres staged protests, including a major demonstration in Tiruvarur, demanding the project be dropped. DMK leaders, including district secretaries, joined environmentalists, farmers, and activists in a large-scale human chain protest across Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Pudukottai districts. Participants criticized the Central and State governments for ignoring farmers’ concerns and warned of adverse impacts on fertile lands and water resources. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans, urging the immediate cancellation of hydrocarbon exploration licenses.
Sagarmala Project
Back in 2020, the DMK, which was in opposition, criticized the ‘Sagarmala’ programme, claiming it was designed to hand over control of India’s coastal areas to the corporate sector. They alleged that the programme would negatively impact fisherfolk. In April 2024, TN CM Stalin criticized the BJP government’s claim of ₹10.76 lakh crore allocated for the state’s development, specifically disputing the inclusion of ₹2 lakh crore for the Sagarmala project, which focuses on industrializing coastal areas.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.