The site proposed for India-based Neutrino Observatory is not a prohibited area, according to INO project director Naba K. Mondal.
In a press release here on Sunday, he said: “The INO experiment is not a secret mission and does not restrict anyone to enter the site. Already, we have made it clear in all our outreach programmes held in Theni and Madurai districts. The project is safe and beneficial to all sections of people and offers innovative research opportunities for students.”
The clarification comes in the wake of news reports quoting police officials who had claimed that INO site was a prohibited area and prior permission should be obtained to enter the place. The police told this to a group of villagers who went up Ambrappar hill to offer worship on Saturday morning. Locals, who vociferously protested against the restriction, argued that they have been lighting lamps and offering prayers in the Tamil month of Panguni on the hill on Saturdays and their right should not be denied.
Demonstration
Later, the villagers staged a demonstration near the site at T. Pudukottai village.
Residents in nearby villages, including Ramakrishnapuram, Potipuram, Thevaram and Thimmanaickenpatti, supported them.
The Madurai Bench had stayed the project till it obtained environment clearance by the TNPCB.
The Centre had given its approval for the observatory at an estimated cost of Rs.1,500 crore on January 5, 2015.
“The project is safe and offers innovative research opportunities for students”
