Govt Cancels Auction Of Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Mineral Block

25 Jan 2025 CW Team

The government said it has cancelled the auction of Tamil Nadu's Nayakkarpatti tungsten mineral block which is near the Arittapatti Biodiversity site and a number of cultural heritage sites. Tungsten is a critical and strategic mineral.

The announcement came a day after representatives of local Ambalakarars community from Madurai district met coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy and urged him to cancel the sale of the block. The mine covering over 20.16 sq km area was proposed for the auction in February last year. Inputs were taken from the government of Tamil Nadu before the block was put up for auction.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had earlier urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel the award of tungsten mining rights in Madurai district. Stalin asserted that his government will not allow mining there considering aspects such as a biodiversity heritage site and people's opposition. The state government had informed that land schedule details were unavailable.

It was also informed that a quarry lease for granite over 47.37 hectares in Aritapatti village, Melur Taluk, had been granted to TAMIN, a state government entity, on September 19, 2008 for 30 years.

Vedanta group firm Hindustan Zinc Ltd emerged as the preferred bidder in the auction of the block on November 7 last year.

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..