India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is proposed to be established in the Tamil Nadu section of the Western Ghats for furthering research.
As the site is being mapped in an eco-sensitive, environmental clearances and other compliances are to be strictly adhered to.
What is the INO project?
India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is a particle physics research project to primarily study the elusive sub-atomic particles called neutrinos.
A neutrino (ν) interacts only via weak short range subatomic forces and gravity, which makes it very hard to detection it.
Neutrinos typically pass through normal matter unimpeded and undetected, and its rest mass is almost zero (1 millionth of an electron).
Its detection needs high-end instruments and an environment that is effectively shielded from other radiant interference.
Hence, a cavern is being carved out at the depth of 1,300 meters (4,300 ft) below the Western Ghats stretch near Theni for establishing the research site.
The site will underlie more than 1000 meters of overhead rock that will effectively shield it from natural cosmic radiation from outside.
The observatory is said to symbolise India’s quest for research in particle physics and demonstrate intent to nurture centres of excellence.
Has environmental clearance been secured?
The project has become controversial as the proposed site lies close to the Mathikettan Shola National Park, which is a biodiversity hotspot.
About a year ago, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had suspended the environmental clearance granted to the INO.
But recently, the NGT verdict on the Rs. 1500 crore project was overturned and has been cleared by the Union Environment Ministry as a special case.
The approval is only conditional and it needs the consent of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the National Board for Wildlife.
The Expert Committee had laid down 17 conditions for granting approval, but the clearance process was shabby and needs to be bettered.
What are the problems with the environmental clearance?
The approval was done under category B of the Schedule to the “Environmental Impact Assessment” (EIA) Notification, 2006.
But it should have been ideally been treated as category A as the project lies just 4.9 km from an eco-sensitive national park.
Additionally, EIA was done by the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, which is an “unaccredited agency”.
While the project is indeed important, treating it as a special case to bypass the environmental clearance protocol sets a wrong precedent.
