Sterlite Officials Reach Out To Villagers In Thoothukudi, Explain The False Campaign Against The Plant

The United Kingdom-based Vedanta Resources’ Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi has begun reaching out the people of nearby villages to tell them about the false campaign carried out against it. The company has formed many teams of 15-20 persons to get in touch with people in the region. The company’s move follows statements by some villagers that they were misled by outsiders on the issue, leading to protests to close the unit.

The protests got ugly and went out of hand on 22 May. In the resulting violence that day, police had to resort to firing to control unruly elements that set fire to properties and government vehicles. At least 13 people were killed.

Times of India quoted Sterlite Copper Chief Executive Officer P Ramnath as saying that with the plant being shut for over a month-and-a-half now, people of nearby villages were approaching the company for employment and drinking water. Some of them are worried about their livelihood, Ramnath was quoted.

The plant’s closure has begun to affect the economy of the region. Some of the companies, which got supplies like sulphuric acid, a by-production of copper production, from it said they had to pay more to get their raw materials. Over 1,000 workers employed by the company directly and another 5,000 contract employees have been affected, while indirect job losses are estimated at 10,000. On its part, Sterlite has moved the National Green Tribunal against the Tamil Nadu Government order to shut the plant from 29 May.