(a) whether the Government has allowed the United States to conduct neutrino experiments deep inside the mountainous
terrain of Idukki and Theni districts on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken into consideration the environmental impact of such experiments in the proximity of
the Mullaperiyar Dam in Idukki district; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY) :
(a)&(b) No, Sir. However, Indian scientists are planning to setup a neutrino observatory under the Bodi West Hills in the
Theni District of Tamil Nadu. It is a fully Indian effort supported by Department of Science & Technology and Department.
of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India. Scientists from 25 research institutes, universities and IITs from India are involved in
this basic science project.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) All statutory clearances for the project have been obtained from the Government of India after discussions at various
levels starting from the state government agencies. The clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests has been
obtained. The project will not have any environmental impact on any dams including the Mullaperiyar Dam in Idukki District,
Kerala which is located at about 50 km away from the project site.