Jallikattu like Act for Sterlite closure sought

Speaking on the motion, Geetha Jeevan said, “State should either take a policy decision on permanent closure of Sterlite or should pass a special Act like jallikattu. Only if policy decision is taken the case would remain strong,” she said. 

Recently, the state government denied permission to issue consent of operation certificate for Sterlite Copper but still the opposition parties blame the state government by saying that the ruling government favours the copper smelter plant indirectly. 

Speaking on the motion, Vasantha Kumar also demanded the government to take a policy decision on permanent closure of Sterlite and said that the copper smelter plant has polluted the environment. 

However, Environment Minister KC Karuppannan, evaded the demands of the MLAs from opposition parties and said that state government is committed to the permanent closure of Sterlite. “The state government will appeal against the order of National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the Supreme Court and will ensure permanent closure of Sterlite,” he replied. 

In the meantime, MDMK general secretary Vaiko condemned the state for not passing a resolution against Sterlite Copper in the Assembly. “By not passing resolution against Sterlite Copper and by saying that the state government will appeal against the verdict of NGT, the state government is favouring Sterlite Copper indirectly. 

He also said that the Union government through NGT is indirectly pushing the opening of Sterlite Copper, when the entire state is against the plant. 

He added that the BJP-led Centre had continuously betrayed the state in the last four and half years.