TN Govt to proceed with Titanium Di-oxide project

Chennai, Jul 24 (UNI) Alleging that some people were trying to stall the proposed Rs 2,500 crore Titanium Di-oxide project in the State with political motives, the Tamil Nadu Government today said it would go ahead with the project in the interests of the common man.

Highlighting the postive aspects of the project which would provide job opportunities to thousands of people, an official release here said since people's welfare was top most for the Government it had decided to implement the project.

The project would transform the southern Tirunelveli district into a wealthy one. The project would help development of Tamil Nadu and would prove to be a boon to the local population especially in drought-prone areas where agriculture was not the main source of income.

Without realising the benefits accruing out of the project, some people were trying to create unnecessary fear in the minds of the people. ''This is totally wrong. Those who opposed to the project should think of industrial developments that are taking place in several districts. They should not say no to the project as it will benefit the drought-prone districts of Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram'', it said.

''These type of projects should be welcomed and one should not create a situation wherein we push ourselves backwards'', it said.

As part of reviving the project, TATAs had signed a MoU with the State Government on June 28 to make Titanium Di-oxide from ilmenite mined from the beach sands of Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts in South Tamil Nadu.

The company had assured that land providers would be given priority in jobs and would also set up a desaliantion plant and a cogeneration power as part of the project.

UNI