Tamil Nadu Govt Will Reject Tungsten Mining Proposal In Arittapatti: Forest Minister

The statement comes amidst growing concerns over environmental degradation following reports that the Union government has granted Hindustan Zinc Ltd permission to mine tungsten in the area.

Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ponmudy affirmed on Thursday that the state government will not permit mining activities in Arittapatti, a notified Biodiversity Heritage Site in Madurai district. The statement comes amidst growing concerns over environmental degradation following reports that the Union government has granted Hindustan Zinc Ltd permission to mine tungsten in the area.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Ponmudy clarified the state’s stance, stating, as per PTI, "The Centre has accorded permission to Hindustan Zinc Ltd for mining at the site. But we are firm on rejecting any such proposal that comes to the forest department."

Spread across 193.215 hectares in the villages of Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram, the site was notified under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. It is among 19 biodiversity heritage sites in India and is home to over 250 bird species, including rare raptors such as the laggar falcon, shaheen falcon, and bonelli’s eagle. The region also features 72 lakes, 200 natural springs, three check dams, and significant megalithic structures.

The environmentalists and activists argue that mining in this ecologically sensitive area would cause irreparable damage to its rich biodiversity and water resources.

Protests Against Mining Clearance

The announcement of mining clearance by the Centre has triggered protests across Madurai, as per a report on IANS. Environmental activists, residents of Melur and nearby areas, and political parties, including PMK, CPI(M), and AMMK have strongly opposed the proposal. Protestors criticised Hindustan Zinc Ltd, a Vedanta Group subsidiary, accusing the company of destroying ecosystems and livelihoods in previous mining projects.

Demonstrations were held in Madurai with activists demanding that the Tamil Nadu government deny Hindustan Zinc Limited any permission to operate. They stressed that mining would jeopardise local water bodies and wildlife while posing severe risks to the environment.