The geographical location is also peculiar as all the existing neutrino detectors (in other countries) are at latitudes larger than 35 degrees North or South.Since neutrinos can easily pass through anything, they will reach the detector while the other particles will be filtered out by the rock in the mountain.The proposed site in Theni district was identified because the rock burden of over 1 km in all directions shields the detector from other cosmic rays.What is the Importance of Proposed Site Location? The project was initially mooted by the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and then by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.The project is proposed to be set up at Pottipuram village in Theni district in Tamil Nadu.The objective of the project was to study neutrinos in a 1,200-metre deep cave.It is a proposed particle physics research mega project.What is the Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO)? The specific region harbours many endemic species of flowering plants, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates other than large numbers of elephants and tigers.The protection of the Western Ghats was supreme as they are a global biodiversity hotspot and a treasure trove of biological diversity.
Though the experiments in the observatory would be conducted a kilometre underground, massive blasting, activities like transportation, excavations and tunnelling among others, would jeopardise the ecological sustainability of the zone, deep in the Western Ghats.The area is a significant watershed and catchment zone for the rivers Sambhal and Kottakudi.Quarrying and construction activities will upset wild animals which use the corridor for seasonal migrations.This corridor links the Periyar Tiger Reserve along the Kerala and Tamil Nadu borders and the Mathikettan Shola National Park.The Government asserted that the project falls exactly on the hill slopes of this part of the Western Ghats, which align within it a significant tiger corridor, namely the Mathikettan-Periyar tiger corridor.What are the arguments of the Tamil Nadu Government? Eco-Sensitive Zones are areas within 10 kms around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.INO will incur great cost to wildlife, biodiversity and ignores the local opposition.Recently, the Tamil Nadu Government has made clear to the Supreme Court that it does not want the Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO) to be set up in Eco-Sensitive Zones in the Western Ghats. For Prelims: Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO), Neutrinos, Western Ghats, sensitive ecological zone, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Shola National Park, global biodiversity hotspot, supernovaeįor Mains: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology, Scientific Innovations & Discoveries, Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO),Neutrinos, arguments against INO, Future Applications of Neutrinos Why in News
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