Protests Mount Against Proposed Tungsten Mine In Biodiversity Hotspot In Tamil Nadu's Madurai

The Central Government's proposal to establish a tungsten mine in Nayakkarpatty, Madurai, has sparked widespread opposition due to the region's biodiversity issues.

The area, which includes Tamil Nadu’s first biodiversity heritage site, Arithapatti, is home to rare bird species like the Rasaali Parrot, ancient monuments such as the Samanar Parai rock-cut temple, and Vatteluttu inscriptions.

On Tuesday (21 January), a delegation of 10 individuals, including farmers from Arittapatti and Vellalapatti and members of the BJP, departed from Madurai Airport to Delhi to meet Union Minister for Mines, Kishan Reddy.

They will discuss their concerns over the tungsten mining project and are expected to push for its cancellation. An official announcement on the project's fate is expected following this meeting.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has already passed a resolution opposing the mining project, a move welcomed by local farmers and members of the Anti-Tungsten Mining Project Association.

The association has called for 48 villages, including Arithapatti, to be declared a protected biodiversity and agricultural zone.

This decision has intensified resistance from residents, who fear the environmental and cultural impacts of mining operations in this ecologically sensitive region.

Earlier in January, villagers staged protests demanding the withdrawal of the project and urging the Tamil Nadu government to declare the region a protected agricultural zone.

In response to the mounting opposition, the Central Government has suggested reassessing the site and considering areas outside biodiversity zones for further evaluation.

Arithapatti, declared a biodiversity heritage site in 2022, spans seven hills and is known for its ecological and historical significance.

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