“I am ready to talk about India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project and discuss it in detail with Mr. Vaiko,” said Naba K. Mondal, senior researcher at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, and spokesperson for the INO project, here on Friday.
Addressing press persons after delivering a lecture, ‘Detecting Neutrinos’, as a part of the second national symposium on ‘Particles, Detectors and Symposium’ in the city, Mr. Mondal said as they had stated in the counter-affidavit, they would get approval from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board before commencing work.
“Both our and Mr. Vaiko’s intention is to do good for the country and we can talk and clear out any misunderstanding that he or other environmentalists might have about the project,” he said.
Flutter
Representatives from a few city-based environmental organisations caused a flutter at the event when they asked Mr. Mondal about the possible environmental damage the project would cause.
Ilanchezhian, an activist, alleged that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) done by Coimbatore-based Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) was not valid.
“The centre is not recognised by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) and there will be a lot of damage to the ecosystem there once the neutrino project gets under way,” he said.
‘Only 2-km-long tunnel’
Reacting to their queries, Mr. Mondal said tunnelling works would only be carried out for two km and there would hardly be a major impact there.
“The works would also generate employment for the locals. The presence of the observatory would positively impact researchers and students in the area and will be a great leap for science,” he added.
