The Tamil Nadu Science Forum (TNSF) has decided to mobilise students of colleges and universities and gather their support for the proposed Rs.1,500-crore India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project coming up in Theni district.
Starting from first week of February, the forum representatives will involve students in a big way and ensure that INO project works do not get stalled due to opposition raised from certain quarters.
M.Pandiarajan, TNSF Madurai district secretary, has said on Thursday that the location for this massive project was chosen only after a scientific study and the Pottipuram area (West Bodi Hills) in Theni district was found suitable for detecting neutrinos from a cavern.
“The INO project will be a big boon for Madurai and Theni districts since scientists from national and international institutions will be coming here for research activities. By stopping that project, we will be doing a great injustice to our students,” he observed.
Stating that he was unable to comprehend why MDMK general secretary Vaiko was opposing the project now, Mr.Pandiarajan emphasised that neutrino observatory facilitates research in basic science and only five places in the world have such a facility.
“It is a good opportunity for Tamil Nadu to be on global science map through this major project. Our appeal is that this issue should not be politicised and must be looked at only from a pure science perspective,” he added.
A special campaign in support of the INO project will be launched in all higher education institutions in Madurai and Theni districts to garner students’ support before the National Science Day to be celebrated on February 28.
Meanwhile, the TNSF Madurai unit had organised a public awareness meet at MUTA Hall in the city on Thursday in which Dr.D.Indumathi of Institute of Mathematical Sciences in Chennai emphasised that the project is in no way a threat to environment or ecology.
