MDMK general secretary Vaiko is all set to commence a long 'walkatho' from Saturday (31st March) to create awareness among the people of the State against the Centre's proposed project of Nutrino Lab in Theni District.

Going against the request of the locals and the people of the State who fear that the environment as well as the livelihood rights of those living in nearby Districts would be drastically affected, the BJP-led Centre has chosen Pottipuram Village near Devaram in Theni for the upcoming Rs.1500-crore 'Nutrino Laboratory' by dredging the Apparappar Hills.

Based on a its own committee's recommendation that environment or livelihood rights of people won't be affected if the project is implemented, the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests cleared the proposal couple of days back, thus signalling the Centre's intent in setting up the project against the demands of the locals.  It also said that those opposing the project might approach the National Green Tribunal within the next 30 days.

MDMK leader Vaiko has announced that he would embark on a 'walkathon' from Madurai on 31st March (this Saturday) to brief people and create awareness among them on the ills and environmental hazards posed by the project. The walkathon would be flagged off by Vaiko's new-found ally and DMK's working president M.K. Stalin from Pazhanganatham, Madurai. Vaiko would walk for 10 days during his awareness-creating walkathon to reach Cumbum.