Date | Aug 31, 2016:

The Kozhikode-based Khanana Virudha Janakeeya Samithy (People's committee for anti-mining) today said it will not allow MSPL Ltd iron ore mining at Chakkittappara in Quilandy taluk in this district of Kerala.

Talking to reporters here Samithy Convener Jithesh Muthukad and leader P R Prasannan said people in the adjoining areas would oppose mining tooth and nail as it would adversely impact both environment and human being.

Thirteen grama panchayats, including 8 tribal colonies, a reservoir, among others, would be affected in the thickly populated area if the firm went ahead with its proposal, they claimed.

The claim of the firm that the surrounding locality would be developed if the project got green signal, the leaders said they are misguiding the people to meet their business interests.

They said the claim of the Baldota group that Kerala High Court had given direction in its favour was totally wrong.

They said the HC had in fact directed the state government to take a decision on the issue.

Urging the state government not to grant mining permit, they said the people in the locality were worried over the firm approaching the authorities to get the things done prompting the samithy to go on agitation.

(Source: http://news.webindia123.com/)