Sterlite unit has TNPCB’s support, allege activists

MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who presented his petition as an intervenor, said, “The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has been supportive of the unit. The government failed to take a policy decision on the closure of Sterlite unit, but we did not highlight it before the committee. But we have asked them consider the unanimous decision on this issue and asked them to recommend the closure of Sterlite.” 

A letter signed by more than four lakh people, including traders and public, has been submitted to the panel, he said. Talking to mediapersons, RS Bharathi, organising secretary, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), said that his party stood for the closure of the unit. 

He was part of the hearing on Friday, accused the company of polluting the air and water. “Thirteen lives have been lost in this battle against the copper unit. 

We demand compensation for the families for the lives lost. We also demand compensation for those who were injured in the firing,” he said on the sidelines of the hearing that was being conducted on the premises of NGT Southern Bench.

Satish C Garkoti, scientist with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and HD Varalaxmi, a senior scientist with the Central Pollution Control Board regional directorate, are also part of the three-member committee. The next hearing would be held on Saturday.