Tuticorin protest: Tamil Nadu government orders permanent closure of Sterlite plant

Bharani Vaitheesvaran, Economic Times, May 29, 2018

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday ordered the closure of the Sterlite Copper factory in Thoothukudi, marking a significant setback for the Anil Agarwal-owned VedantaNSE -1.08 % unit, which is at the centre of a violent agitation led by residents who claim the smelter has caused widespread pollution of air and water in the southern city. 

The government order endorsed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board’s directive last week to close the unit citing constitutional provisions to “protect and improve the environment,” and “in larger public interest.” Within an hour of the order announced on Monday afternoon, district officials of Thoothukudi, headed by Collector Sandeep Nanduri, arrived at the plant to seal the premises. 

“The decision to close the plant was arrived at upon consideration of the interests and sentiments of the people of Thoothukudi,” said chief minister Edapaddi Palaniswami speaking to reporters in Chennai. 

He said that the prospect of a legal battle by Vedanta-Sterlite against the government order was “imaginary.” 

Shares of Vedanta closed 0.48% higher on Monday at Rs 253.10. The stock had fallen to a 10-month low on May 23 and had been recovering since. 



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