Tamil Diaspora writes to PM, Collector on Sterlite

In a letter addressed to Thoothukudi Collector N Venkatesh, the Tamil Diaspora highlighted the health hazards faced by the local community.

“Contamination of ground water, excessive SO2 and other impurities in the air as well as possible impact to the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve had been confirmed repeatedly in studies by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Central Pollution Control Board and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). We are appalled that this environmental damage and resulting health issues have been allowed to go on for years,” the letter read.

Noting that they are not against progress and development of their motherland, the group observed that development has to be sustainable and it should not be at the cost of human health or at the cost of severe damage to the environment.

“We owe it to our future generations to protect and preserve the environment. We suspect that the damage Sterlite Copper has caused to the local environment could go well beyond redemption if we fail to act at this critical juncture. The mushrooming health issues the people of Thoothukudi suffer from it has to be curtailed,” it said.

They also pleaded the Collector to allow peaceful protests by people in this regard and to take action against paid vandals who disturb such protests.

In a separate letter sent to the Prime Minister, the group urged that the government should investigate into the allegations of Sterlite in obtaining clearances and as well as flouting of the norms. It also demanded that the government should also go into role of the TNPCB in the Sterlite issue. Sterlite Copper should be held accountable for Thoothukudi’s environmental destruction and for the deaths and illnesses caused.