Titanium project gets ex-AIADMK Minister's backing

Chennai, Aug 10 (UNI) The controversial Titanium dioxide project in Southern Tamil Nadu received support from a most unexpected quarter--former AIADMK Minister K Rajaram.

When the main Opposition AIADMK and other parties were opposing the project, Mr Rajaram, who had served in the late M G Ramachandran Cabinet, offered support to it, stating that the project would bring prosperity to the less developed Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts.

In a statement here, he said mining had been going on in these areas for more than three decades and the over 59 licencees were exploiting the minerals and making huge profits, while the local people remained unbenefitted.

If Tata Steel implemented the project, pumping in a total investment of Rs 2,500 crore, the two districts would prosper as it would generate employment for the local people, Mr Rajaram opined.

Dismissing as ''absurd'', the campaign that the wet lands in the areas would become fallow if Tata was allowed to implement the project, the former Minister said that on the other hand, the project would change the lifestyle of the people, who eke out their livelihood by selling palm products.

The DMK Government had signed an MoU with the Tatas for setting up the project, but later put it on hold following the AIADMK and some of the constituents of the DMK-led DPA raising objections.

UNI