Titanium project: TN Ministerial team winds up visit

Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, Aug 14 (UNI) The high-level ministerial team, deputed by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to elicit the views of the local people regarding the proposed Titanium dioxide project, today reiterated that there would be no forcible takeover of lands for the project.

Talking to newspersons here, Mines and Higher Education Minister K Ponmudi, who headed the team, assured local people that acquisition of land for the Rs 2,500 crore mega project would be taken up only with their consent.

The family members of those willing to give up their lands would be given preference for providing employment in the plant, he said, adding that the team would submit its report to the Government tomorrow.

The team, which visited various villages in Sattankulam taluk yesterday, today heard the views of the people in Tiruchendur taluk.

The exercise met a mixed reponse at several places, with one section of farmers agreeing to give lands for the project and the others opposing it.

The farmers willing to give their lands insisted that the Government should ensure market price for the land and employment to one person in the family.

UNI