In a significant policy decision, the Ministry of Mines, in consultation with the Tamil Nadu government, has reserved approximately 1,144.06 hectares in Kanyakumari district for beach sand mineral mining, exclusively allocating these areas to IREL (India) Limited, a public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy. This reservation encompasses eight villages: Keezhmidalam-A, Midalam-B, Enayamputhanthurai, Ezhudesam-A, Ezhudesam-B, Ezhudesam-C, Kollencode-A, and Kollencode-B in Killiyoor taluk.
This move marks a revival for IREL, which had not received new mining leases in Tamil Nadu for over two decades. The company currently operates in the region with a mining lease covering 178.06 hectares, including areas in Midalam, Keezhmidalam, and Manavalakurichi. The expansion is anticipated to enhance IREL’s raw material availability, thereby increasing operational capacity and creating employment opportunities in the district.
However, the decision has sparked opposition from local communities, environmental groups, and political figures. Concerns have been raised about potential health risks, including increased radiation exposure and environmental degradation, such as coastal erosion and pollution. Notably, PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss has urged both the central and state governments to reconsider and withdraw the mining project, highlighting the adverse effects on local populations and ecosystems.
In response to the growing dissent, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had scheduled a public hearing on October 1, 2024, to address these concerns. However, the meeting was postponed, and as of now, no new date has been announced. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing debates balancing economic development with environmental conservation and public health considerations.
