Social activist Medha Patkar on Sunday said the campaign against proposed neutrino observatory project in Tamil Nadu will be taken up as a “national battle”, because some foreign companies were attempting to destroy the Western Ghats in India.
Environment impact assessment was not done properly while choosing Pottipuram in Theni district, she alleged, adding that the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project was proposed at a cost of Rs.1,500 crore.
Extending her support to MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who has been opposing the underground observatory, Ms. Patkar said that it was the responsibility of Centre and scientists to answer the questions raised with regard to safety of people’s lives and the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
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Addressing a joint press conference along with Mr.Vaiko, she said digging of a huge tunnel would negatively impact the Western Ghats.
“The Kasturirangan report pointed out the fragility of the Western Ghats. If the scientists are sure that the safety is intact, are they ready for a public debate,” she asked.
She also asked the Centre to clarify whether the INO site will be used for storing nuclear waste coming from the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
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“On behalf of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), I express my support to Mr.Vaiko, because there are well-founded fears that even the scientists involved in the project may not know what will happen in the observatory,” Ms.Patkar said.
Mr.Vaiko, who had briefed her about the people’s concerns, said that Ms.Patkar’s support would galvanise the Movement Against Neutrino (MAN), of which he is the president. “I want the Tamil Nadu government to take a clear position on neutrino project. INO is a threat to both Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” he added.