Tamil Nadu Government Cancels Land Allotment For Extension Of Sterlite Plant In Tuticorin

The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Nadu has cancelled the land allotted to Vedanta for the proposed expansion of the Sterlite plant in Tuticorin, Times of India has reported.

The move comes after the Edappadi Palaniswami-led Tamil Nadu government directed the state Pollution Control Board to seal the copper plant and close it down "permanently". The decision to seal the pant was taken after over 13 people died in police firing during protests against the unit.

Under sections, 18 (1) (b) of the Water Act, 1974, in the larger public interest, the government endorses the closure direction of the TNPCB to seal the unit and close the plant permanently," the state government had said.

Before the plant was sealed, water and power supply to the unit were cut.

The construction of the new plant, which was being built to double the production capacity, was put on hold by the the Madras High Court on 23 March.

Those demanding the closure of the plant have welcomed the government’s move, saying it is ‘victory’ for the protesters.

“We consider the commitment shown by state government to permanently close the Sterlite unit as a victory for our protests. But this should not stop with issuing a government order. The government should remove all the machinery and resources out of the Sterlite unit so that the factory would not function again even after years," said S Jenarose, sister of a protester who died in police action.

Also Read:

Thoothukudi Sterlite Protests: How Things Got This Far

Sterlite Plant: It Is Time To Call The Bluff, Of NGOs Or Management