With the commencement of preliminary work for construction of India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,500 crore, protests and appeals from political as well as local people increased in the district on Friday.
Now, members of 18th Channel Farmers’ Association in Thevaram appealed to the government to give top priority to the promises the district administration made to people in Thevaram and Bodi at a consultative meeting held in connection with the INO project in Thevaram. The Centre had increased the project cost from Rs. 900 crore to Rs. 1,500 crore in order to improve facilities at the villages around this proposed lab. But, instead of giving priority to development works, the Centre had been expediting the INO construction work, pushing people’s welfare to the back burner, alleged Association secretary A. Thirupathi Vasakan.
At the first interaction session with villagers, the then Collector P. Muthuveeran assured that the government would develop entire zone to enhance the living standards of the people by creating sustainable livelihood activities. But even the genuine demands of the people were not met. The people appealed to lay a road to Sakkaluthu Mettu from Thevaram, the shortest route to Kerala. They also demanded that there should be no damage to grazing lands meant for cattle and goats, Mr. Vasakan said.
But the Centre was only keen on laying a road to mobilise heavy machinery for the project, he added.
