TN moves SC challenging NGT order permitting Vedanta to access Thoothukudi Sterlite plant

On August 9, the NGT had allowed Vedanta to enter its administrative unit inside the plant, observing that no environmental damage would be caused by allowing access to this section.

Vedanta has already filed a caveat in the apex court to pre-empt any party from getting an ex-parte order on appeal against the NGT order.

The green panel had said the plant would remain closed and the company would not have access to its production unit and asked the district magistrate to ensure it.

The tribunal had directed the Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board to submit an analysis of the baseline pollution data of the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd in Thoothukudi to ascertain the level of pollution. It had posted the matter for further hearing on August 20.

The state government had on May 28 ordered the state pollution control board to seal and “permanently” close the mining group’s copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns.

After Sterlite announced its plans to expand the Thoothukudi plant, villagers around it started fresh protests that continued for more than 100 days, culminating in the May 22 police firing on protesters that claimed 13 lives and left scores injured.

Following these protests and police firing, the plant was closed on May 27.