State govt firm on closure of Sterlite plant, says Minister

Addressing newspersons after a function in Chennai, Jayakumar said: “Respecting the sentiments of Thoothukudi people, the State Government closed the copper plant. We are still firm on our stand.”

The CEO of Sterlite Copper, Ramnath, while addressing the media on Thursday, said the company has approached TNPCB to obtain the certificate of consent for resuming its operations. Once the consent is obtained, the plant would start manufacturing copper in two months, he said.

When asked about Ramnath’s statement, Jayakumar clarified that the State Government is committed to ensure the welfare of Thoothukudi residents by permanently shutting down the plant.

“The order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) permitting Sterlite copper to reopen the plant and to commence operations is not the final verdict. The State Government is in consultation with legal experts for lodging an appeal against the NGT verdict in the Supreme Court,” said Jayakumar.