Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan said on Wednesday that the Tamil Nadu government wants to reserve its rights over the tungsten mining project in Madurai instead of engaging in futile communication with the Union Ministry of Mines.
Reacting to a statement issued by the Union Ministry and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday, the minister said, “Why no objection was raised to the notification (issued by the central government) for the auction, talk to anyone. has been The working style of the present central government will show that this is an exercise in futility. “
He said that the state government is aware of the need to grant mining leases and has reserved its rights.
Mr. Duraimurugan recalled that in his letter on the project dated October 3, 2023, the Union Ministry had pointed out how the auction for mining was fundamentally flawed and could lead to law and order problems.
He also pointed out that the details of the land were not given in the letter sent by the Commissioner of Geology and Mines related to the project. It was only brought to the notice of the Union Ministry of Mines that the Nayakpatti tungsten block is a biodiversity heritage site of Arittapatti. However, the ministry has proceeded with the auction.
“Now, although the (central) Ministry of Mines can only conduct auctions, it has been accepted that the state government can grant leases for mines,” said the minister. He added, ‘I am happy that the ministry has decided to re-survey the land after Chief Minister MK Stalin raised the issue before the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi). We demand cancellation of mineral block award to M/S Hindustan Zinc Limited. “
‘DMK lies exposed’
Earlier, Mr. Palaniswami had said that the clarification issued by the Central government “exposed the lies of the DMK government.”
He posted on social media that Mr Duraimurugan did not oppose the project in his letter to the Centre.
He questioned why the state did not object to the tungsten block auction in February 2024 for 10 months.
published – December 25, 2024 11:59 pm IST