‘Final call on Sterlite will be state’s’

Recently, the high powered NGT inspection committee submitted a report before the green tribunal citing that the closure was wrong. “The committee was constituted by the NGT to inspect the unit and interact with people concerning the Sterlite issue and not to disclose its opinion on whether to close or open the unit. Whatever be the direction from the NGT, the state government through its order would take a final call on whether to reopen the unit or keep it shut,” the Minister said.

Though the unit was under the control of Union government, it lies under the jurisdiction of state government. The TNPCB only has the authority to renew the unit’s license for resuming its operation. Citing that the protests were unnecessary when the unit remains closed after the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board did not give its consent to operate and renew its license on April 9 this year, he said the local people surrounding the unit were misled by some anti-social elements.