National Green Tribunal-formed committee to start Sterlite inspection in two weeks

Based on the findings and the final decision of the committee, which will be led by a retired judge, the district administration would act upon it, he said while talking to reporters on Monday. The evacuation of chemicals and acids from the plant was suspended as per the directive of the NGT. 

Further, the Collector said that a team, led by the District Revenue Officer, has been formed to inspect areas, where copper slag was alleged to be dumped, and remove it, if necessary. 

He added that efforts were on to provide government jobs for the family members of the 13 persons, who were killed during the anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi on May 22. Based on the educational qualifications of these family members, proposals on job recommendations were sent to the state government, which is now examining them. Further announcements were yet to be made, he said. Besides, the Collector also said that efforts were on to fix an artificial limb to Princeton, an injured victim of the Sterlite protest-related violence, whose leg was amputated. The government has sanctioned Rs 7.5 lakh for the purpose. 

Moreover, he said that the government would bear expenditure of the bone reconstruction surgery for another injured victim, Vijayakumar, who underwent the surgery successfully in a private hospital in Madurai. The district administration is also ready to help the injured victims in the violence, he said.

In the wake the deadly incidents on May 22 and 23, 13 persons were killed and several others suffered injuries. Based on requests, an auto-rickshaw at a cost of Rs 3 lakh was offered to an injured victim and a country boat to a fisherman.

Further responding to a query, the Collector said he would check whether exorbitant fees were collected from devotees for offering prayers at the Subramaniya Swamy temple in Tiruchendur.