MDMK general secretary Vaiko termed the state government's demand for public hearing exemption as a betrayal.
Even as Tamil Nadu government continues to face protests against various projects including the expansion of Sterlite Copper Smelter plant, the hydrocarbon extraction projects in Cauvery delta districts and GAIL pipeline project in Western Tamil Nadu, the state has requested the Union Environment Ministry for a special exemption from conducting 'mandatory' public hearings for certain projects of public importance.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has been facing several difficulties while attempting to conduct public hearings, which are mandatory under Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, for certain types of projects, said a 14-page memorandum handed over by State Environment Minister KC Karuppannan to Union Minister Harsha Vardhan who holds environment, science and technology portfolios.
"The public, NGOs, representatives of political parties with vested interest disturb the smooth proceedings of the hearing. In some cases, the hearing was stopped in the middle and meetings were cancelled. In such cases, a second hearing was conducted with heavy police protection. Hence, some projects get delayed and for some projects, permission could not be accorded altogether. Due to this, investors faced heavy loss," the memorandum reads.
Meanwhile, condemning the state environment minister, Tamil Nadu Farmers Association general secretary P Shanmugham said that the minister's action goes against the recent assurance given by chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami that the government would not allow any projects which would harm the public. "The minister's action only shows that this government is very keen to protect the corporate interest than people's," he said.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko termed the state government's demand for public hearing exemption as a betrayal. He alleged that the government has sought the exemption to pave way for the setting up of the controversial Neutrino Observatory Project, Sterlite and Hydrocarbon projects in the state.
Others Chime In
MDMK general secretary Vaiko termed the state government’s demand for public hearing exemption as a betrayal.
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 "Sterlite Copper plant")
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