Union Ministry of Environment & Forests has cleared the controversial 'Nutrino' project in Theni, based apparently on the recommendations made by Centre's Environment Estimates committee that the project won't hurt the livelihood rights and the ground-water level in the locality. Political observers feel that this might signal the beginning of long State-wide protests.

The proposed neutrino project, to come up at a cost Rs.1500 crores at Pottipuram Village near Devaram in Theni District, involves dredging the Ambarappar Hills and setting up a laboratory. Environment activists and locals, supported by people in other parts of the State, have been opposing the project right from the beginning, stating the project would adversely affect the District's ecological balance.

Vaiko of MDMK and others have been holding relay protests against the 'Neutrino' project but the Centre appears to be keen in implementing the project citing scientific reasons. The Union Ministry of Environment & Forests formally accorded approval to commence the project based on the estimates provided by a committee appointed by it which said that the project would affect neither the livelihood rights of the people nor the ground-water level.

The Ministry, however, has stated that the project can take off only if the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and State Forest Department clear the same. The project would have to use 340 KL water from Mullai Periyar Dam for its daily use. "Those opposing the project might move the National Green Tribunal within 30 days from now," a communiqué issued by the Ministry said.