Controversy over NLCIL's Mine 3 project in Tamil Nadu

03 Aug 2023 CW Team

NLC India (NLCIL) acquired a mining lease for an expanse of 25,900 hectares from the Tamil Nadu government on August 29, 1963. According to Union parliamentary affairs, coal, and mines minister Pralhad Joshi, the company regularly renews its lease, and the current renewal extends until December 5, 2036. Within this lease, the mine 3 project is included.

In response to questions raised by PMK president and Rajya Sabha member Anbumani Ramadoss, Minister Joshi stated that there have been no applications submitted to the coal controller seeking permission to commence mining operations at mine 3 of NLCIL.

Recently, Anbumani expressed his concerns and urged the Tamil Nadu government to revoke the mining lease granted to NLCIL, covering an area of 64,750 acres. He also emphasised the need for the Tamil Nadu government to request the Union government to cancel the mine 3 project situated in Cuddalore district.

Anbumani contended that if these actions are not taken, the people of Tamil Nadu may perceive the state government as unsupportive of farmers and beholden to NLCIL. Regardless of the Tamil Nadu government's stance, the PMK party is determined to oppose the mine 3 project and will vehemently demand the Union government to revoke the license for mine 2 as well.

Anbumani further highlighted that the proposed mine 3 project of NLCIL would encroach upon an area of 12,125 acres, encompassing 26 villages in Cuddalore district. Among these villages, nine fall within the protected special agriculture zone, and the remaining are part of the Cauvery delta region. Establishing a mine in these villages would be in violation of the Protected Special Agriculture Zone Act, according to Anbumani's arguments.

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