Sarath Kumar said no politics in Titanium project

Chennai, Aug 7 (UNI) Actor-politician R Sarath Kumar today asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to ensure that politics did not creep in while taking a decision on the controversial Rs 2,500 crore Titanium dioxide plant at Sattankulam in Tuticorin district, shelved by the state government following widespread opposition.

In a letter to Mr Karunanidhi, a copy of which was released to the Press here, he said there were apprehensions among the public regarding losing their lands and houses for a lesser price for the project.

Enclosing a copy of the report of the committee constituted by him and the video footages of views of the public, the actor, hailing from the dominant Nadar community, said the villages would become uninhabitable after the mining operations that would uproot trees and vegetation.

Observing that there were various technological, industrial and social points of view connected with the project proposal, he said these factors could be analysed by a proper project appraisal by the Industries department.

''We have made our own study and are of the opinion that this needs to be studied in depth regarding its impact,'' he said, adding that various leaders who have visited the area and interacted with the public have concurred with their view.

Mr Sarath Kumar said the views of the then Collectors of Tuticorin and Tirunelveli and the State Pollution Control Board were reported to be against the setting up of the plant, after ascertaining the views of the public through hearings.

UNI