DMK for closure of Sterlite plant

While law insists that development should happen without affecting the environment, effluents from hazardous Sterlite factory in Thoothukudi has been threatening the lives of people by causing cancer and skin diseases to the residents, Stalin said in a statement. People have been losing lives due to contamination of groundwater by discharge from the factory which contains fluoride, chromium, arsenic and copper, the DMK working president alleged. Urging the state government to stop the expansion of the plant, Stalin also asked the government to shut the existing unit if it continues to affect people. 

Meanwhile, a section of students attached to Students Federation of India (SFI) studying in VOC College, Thoothukudi, staged protest in front of the college. 

Even since the expansion plans of Sterlite Copper Plant got leaked residents of Kumarettiyapuram village near Thoothukudi commenced their protest against the expansion and demanded complete closure of the existing plant. When their protest reached sixth week people of Thoothukudi joined them and on Saturday and there was one-day strike and massive protest. The residents of Kumarettiyapuram are still continuing their protest. 

In the meantime, state Minister for Information and Publicity Kadambur Raju said that Sterlite Copper Plant is safe and does not pollute. As the case on Sterlite Copper is pending in the Court he cannot speak much on the issue, he added.