The issue surrounding the proposed tungsten mining project near Madurai has sparked significant political controversy between the Tamil Nadu government and the central government. Tamil Nadu BJP State President K. Annamalai has made serious allegations questioning the actions of the ruling DMK government. Here’s a detailed overview of the key points and political implications:
On October 18, 2023, according to the news published in The New Indian Express media, Tungsten metal has been discovered in Madurai and the Tamil Nadu government is seeking permission from the central government to set up a mine for it. A senior official of the Department of Mineral Resources was said to have informed.
According to the report issued yesterday by the Department of Mines of the Central Government, the notes given by the Government of Tamil Nadu before announcing the contract point for setting up a mine in the area where tungsten has been discovered in Madurai in February 2024. were implemented, and ten months from February, when the contract was issued, to November 7, 2024, when the contract was awarded, the Tamil Nadu government asked the central government to object to the contract or to set up the mine. It is also reported that there is no contact.
It was the DMK government that requested the central government to set up a tungsten mine in Madurai. It was the DMK government that gave the instructions to publish the mining agreement. The DMK government, which has been hiding this from the public for the last ten months, is now protesting and acting as if they know nothing about it.
In the same Madurai Aritapatti area, Tamil Nadu Government’s Tamin Company has obtained a lease for 30 years from 2008 to set up a granite mine on 47.37 hectares of land, and now Tamin Company has returned its lease license. In Madurai Aritapatti and Meenakshipuram villages, a total of 20.16 sq km. In terms of land, 1.93 square km has been declared as a biodiversity heritage site, the DMK government has informed the central government.
Chief Minister Stalin is trying to re-enact the same drama that he staged about ten years ago, saying that he had unknowingly signed the agreement to extract methane from the delta region. DMK’s play will no longer be acceptable to the public.
1. Background Information
- In October 2023, reports indicated that tungsten deposits were discovered near Madurai, and the Tamil Nadu government had sought approval from the central government for mining operations.
- According to the Ministry of Mines, the Tamil Nadu government had not raised any objections or concerns from February 2024, when the mining process was initiated, to November 2024, when contracts were finalized.
2. Annamalai’s Allegations
- Annamalai accused the DMK government of requesting central approval for the mining project and later concealing this information from the public.
- He pointed out that Tamil Nadu’s TAMIN Corporation had acquired a 30-year lease in 2008 for granite mining in the same region but recently returned the lease rights.
- Annamalai further alleged that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is dramatizing the issue to mislead the public, comparing it to the methane project controversy a decade ago, where the DMK claimed ignorance after signing agreements.
3. DMK Government’s Stand
- As of now, the DMK government has not issued an official response to these allegations.
- Historically, the DMK has taken a strong stance on environmental concerns, which adds complexity to this issue.
4. Environmental and Heritage Concerns
- The Arittapatti region, where the mining is proposed, includes 1.93 square kilometers designated as a biodiversity heritage site.
- Environmental activists have raised concerns about potential ecological damage caused by the mining project, making thorough impact assessments critical.
5. Political Implications
- Annamalai’s allegations could fuel political debates about the DMK’s ties with the central government and its transparency regarding large-scale projects.
- Comparisons with past administrations’ policies, such as those of AIADMK, may also arise.
Conclusion
The tungsten mining controversy near Madurai has become a focal point for debates on environmental preservation, public interest, and political maneuvering. Resolving this issue will require clear communication and balanced decisions from both the central and state governments, ensuring environmental sustainability and public welfare.
It remains essential to monitor further responses from both the DMK and BJP to understand the unfolding narrative.
