It appears that Tamil Nadu government, recognising the importance of Arittapatti region for its Jain beds, caves and biodiversity, declared it as bio-diversity heritage site to protect it from any development activities such as quarry and mining. The cumulative potential value of the mines allotted to the Vedanta Group so far may run into billions of dollars for which, I am sure, that PSU banks would finally be forced to provide risk-prone loans, driving the latter into facing NPAs. Past toxic experience with Vedanta Group’s copper-smelting operations at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu are far too well known to the people of Tamil Nadu and the rest of India, for me to elaborate on it further. It defies all democratic norms and violates the spirit of federalism that lies at the heart of our Constitution. I hope that the Tamil Nadu government, which has always stood for upholding the spirit of federalism will take this up with the Centre, respecting the sentiments of the local communities.

Source: The Hindu November 20, 2024 11:00 UTC