Will ensure Sterlite is shut permanently, say Ministers

“NGT’s order, of reopening Sterlite copper, is not final. The state government will go in appeal and will fight for the closure of the plant,” said state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar in Royapuram.

After the May 22 protests and death of 13 persons in Thoothukudi, Sterlite Copper was closed by the state government by passing a Government Order (GO), on May 28. However, Sterlite Copper appealed in the NGT and got a reprieve, on Saturday, after the NGT directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to issue certificate of consent for operation of Sterlite Copper and to provide all support to Sterlite Copper for running the plant.

The verdict had brought great unrest in Thoothukudi and in the state as many activists group had decided to stage protest if Sterlite Copper functions again. Due to the unrest, large number of policemen were stationed in key locations in Thoothukudi and district administration was directed to make sure no protests breaks out again in Thoothukudi against the Sterlite Copper.

In the meantime, Ministers have assured that the state government is committed to the permanent closure of Sterlite Copper. “We will represent the sentiments of Thoothukudi people and the death of 13 persons in the court, when the state government goes in appeal,”said Jayakumar.

When asked about MDMK leader Vaiko’s criticism on the activities of the state government in Sterlite case, Jayakumar replied that there is no politics involved in the case and state government stands by its decision.

Similarly, Minister for Tamil Development and Tamil Culture K Pandiarajan, said that though the state government cannot take policy decision on a single company, the GO passed by the state government explains the stand adopted by the government.