File Picture Courtesy : Business Standard
After facing severe backlash in damage control action the Tamil Nadu government ordered the closure of the Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi and asked the state Pollution Control Board to seal the copper plant, reported PTI. The move comes following the death of 13 people in police firing during protests against the company last week.
Tamil Nadu chief minister EK Palaniswami announced that a government order has been issued to shut down Vedanta group’s copper unit in Thoothukudi, or Tuticorin, a week after 13 people lost their lives in police firing while protesting against the plant.
Announcing the move, the chief minister said that the step has been taken to respect the sentiments of the people. “This government follows the footsteps of Amma (late chief minister Jayalalithaa). This government is for the people,” he said.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam had said that the government will take necessary steps to permanently shut down the copper smelter plant of Vedanta Ltd, popularly known as Sterlite Copper.
Pannerselvam visited the hospital in Thoothukudi and inquired about the health of those injured in the police firing on anti-Sterlite Copper protestors on May 22, in which 13 persons died.
The deputy CM was speaking to reporters in Thoothukudi and said that compensation to the injured were being paid
