Tamil Nadu CM opposes exemption of atomic mineral mining from mandatory public consultation
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw a Union Ministry memorandum that exempts atomic mineral mining from public consultation. Stalin argues that coastal regions, rich in rare earth elements, are ecologically fragile and home to endangered species and natural barriers like mangroves. He emphasizes that such projects demand rigorous scrutiny and community involvement. The CM cited a 2020 Supreme Court verdict (Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v. Rohit Prajapati) stating that substantive changes to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework cannot be made through executive instructions like office memoranda, which cannot override statutory notifications.
Key Points
- The Union Ministry issued a memorandum exempting atomic and strategic mineral mining from public hearings.
- CM Stalin argues this weakens participatory democracy and threatens ecologically sensitive coastal ecosystems like the Gulf of Mannar.
- The EIA Notification of 1994 originally made public hearings mandatory for such projects.
- The Supreme Court has previously ruled that executive instructions cannot override statutory environmental notifications.
Exam Facts
- Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v. Rohit Prajapati & Ors. (2020) Supreme Court verdict.
- EIA Notification 2006 and 1994 provisions.
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
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