Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin seeks intervention of PM Modi to drop INO project in Theni

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to drop the proposed India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project in a hilly tract in Theni district in the state.

In a letter to Prime Minister Modi, Mr. Stalin said the project would cause irreversible damage to the fragile ecosystem in the region, which is rich in wildlife and biodiversity. He has pointed out that the proposed site for the observatory falls within the Mathikettan - Periyar Tiger Corridor



as mapped by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. 

He has also said the site is part of the Western Ghats, which is considered a global biodiversity hotspot, saying the activities for the construction of the research facility would cause irreparable losses to the ecosystem.

The proposed INO is a major particle-physics research laboratory to be established about 1200 meters from the top of the mountain to study the nature of neutrinos.