Farmers rally against Tungsten mining project in Madurai

Over 10,000 farmers and villagers from Melur and nearby areas staged a massive protest today, marching 25 kilometers to Madurai city in opposition to the Tungsten mining project proposed in Nayakkarpatti. The protest, marked by widespread participation and solidarity, has disrupted daily life in the region, with shops and businesses shutting down along the route in support of the demonstrators.

The rally, which began in Melur early this morning, is set to culminate at Thallakulam, where a large-scale demonstration is expected later today. Protestors are raising alarms about the project's potential environmental degradation and the threat it poses to the livelihoods of local farming communities.

Despite receiving approval from the Centre, the Tungsten mining project has faced backlash from both local residents and state authorities. Last year, the Tamil Nadu government passed a resolution opposing the project, citing its ecological and social risks. However, the Centre's green light has reignited protests, with farmers and villagers determined to resist until the project is abandoned.

Participants have highlighted that the fertile lands of Nayakkarpatti and surrounding areas, crucial for agriculture, could be irreversibly damaged by the mining operations. Demonstrators are demanding that the government prioritize sustainable development and protect the rights of local communities over industrial projects.

As tensions escalate, the region is bracing for more demonstrations in the coming days. The unified voice of farmers and villagers sends a clear message: their fight for the environment and their livelihoods is far from over.