Tamil Nadu Assembly urges Center to cancel Madurai tungsten mining rights

After an intense debate in the House, the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday passed a resolution in the state assembly urging the Center to immediately cancel the tungsten mining rights granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited in the state.

Intervening during the debate, Chief Minister MK Stalin firmly said that he would not allow mining at any cost as it would affect livelihoods besides adversely affecting the environment.

“Tungsten mining will not be allowed under any circumstances. If this (project) comes, I will not hold the post (of Chief Minister),” Mr Stalin said, when Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami accused the ruling government of . Kept silent for 10 months and decided to take action only after people started protesting in the affected areas in Melur, Madurai.

The resolution moved by state Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan was passed unanimously and the BJP decided not to oppose it at the initial stage.