ALUVA: Emerging out of a meeting with the leader of Opposition V S Achuthanandan at Aluva Palace on Saturday, MDMK general secretary Vaiko said that the leaders in Kerala and Tamil Nadu would join hands to protest against the proposed Neutrino Observatory in Theni.
He beseeched Kerala leaders to come forth in support of the protests against the project. “The Chief Minister had conveyed that V S Achuthanandan was opposed to the proposed project. It is to be appreciated that he recognises the measures adopted by the Opposition leaders, being two different fronts,” said Vaiko, who had already met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. He also added that he was never opposed to Kerala’s stance on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue.
“The proposed Indian Neutrino Observatory in Theni will affect the fragile environment of the Western Ghats, in addition to having a negative impact on more than 12 reservoirs within a 60-kilometre radius of the Observatory. This will adversely affect the water supply to both states.
Radioactive contamination of water and accidental beam misdirection are ever present dangers posed by the presence of such a facility. In the name of scientific hunting, the fertile lands, flora and fauna of Idukki and Theni districts should not suffer,” said Vaiko. The Central Government had given its sanction for the observatory on January 2015 with an estimated budget of Rs 1,500 crore. Vaiko has filed a petition at the Madras High Court against the project.