Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) leader G.K. Vasan on Sunday (July 5, 2026) urged the Tamil Nadu government to withdraw its decision extending the land allocation permit granted to Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) for an atomic mineral mining project spanning 1,444 hectares in Kanniyakumari district.

The former Union Minister, in a statement, also urged the Tamil Nadu government to listen to people who are opposing the project. He also cited opposition by people living in the area. Mr. Vasan said they were opposing it as it would affect the livelihood of fishermen and also the environment in that area.

The State government has extended the permit for the project for another year, he said. The impact of the project would directly affect the people in the coastal areas, their livelihood and health, Mr. Vasan contended.