The Union Ministry of Mines has annulled the auction of the Nayakkarpatti tungsten mineral block in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai district. This decision follows a meeting between Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and community leaders from Madurai, who raised concerns about the environmental and cultural significance of the area.
The community leaders highlighted that the proposed mining site encompasses the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site and several cultural heritage locations. They emphasized the potential threats that mining activities could pose to the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural landmarks.
In response to these concerns, the Ministry stated, “After detailed deliberations, considering the importance of the Biodiversity Heritage Site in the area and the commitment of the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership towards protecting traditional rights, it has been decided to annul the auction of the Nayakkarpatti tungsten mineral block.”
This move has been widely welcomed by environmentalists and local communities. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin commended the decision, noting that the Union government has respected the sentiments of the people and the resolve of the state government. He also urged that future mining notifications should not proceed without the state’s consent.
