JOIN USRumours prove false, Muniyappa arrives late
Union Minister K H Muniyappa stood by the adage ‘better late than never’ with regard to his visit to the City on Saturday.
While there were rumours that the minister’s visit to deal with issue regarding the dumping of nuclear waste in the mine shafts, Muniyappa did arrive, much to the surprise of the residents here, although two hours late. The programme was to begin at the mosque outside the City at 7 pm.
Muniyappa, apparently, had a prior engagement at Bangarpet in the afternoon on Saturday, after which he returned without coming to Kolar Gold Fields. His return, however, had given rise to the rumours that Muniyappa had cancelled his visit to the City.
In Bangarpet
Muniyappa said dumping of nuclear waste from the Kudankulam plant in the gold mine shafts would not be permitted.
Speaking during a programme at Kariyappa School at Hanchala Gate in the taluk on Saturday, the Union Minister said the Union Cabinet had already decided to rejuvenate the gold mines. “We are waiting for the Supreme Court order and then will take a decision that will benefit workers,” he said.
“Dumping the nuclear waste in the mine shafts is merely an idea, not a decision. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already clarified that,” he explained.
The Nuclear Power Department is under the control of the Prime Minister. The memorandum will therefore be handed over to him, said the minister, adding, “Work on rejuvenation of the gold mines will begin within three months of reclaim of the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court.”
Protests
Members of the BJP and the JD(S) had staged separate protests in the City on Saturday. The BJP protest is expected to continue on Sunday.
Kumar, CMC member of the JD(S) had organised a mega protest involving women. The protesters walked all the way from Kennedy’s Line till Robertsonpet and continued the procession on the streets of Kolar Gold Fields.
They later submitted a memorandum to CMC president P Dayananda and vice-president M Bhaktavatsalam, demanding that the CMC should not give a go-ahead to the Central government’s plans at any cost.