NGT Orders Reopening of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu Govt to Challenge Ruling in SC
Along with then reopening order, NGT directed Vedanta Limited to spend Rs 100 crore over three years for ‘welfare activities’.
Chennai, December 15: The National Green Tribunal court on Saturday set aside Tamil Nadu government’s order to close Vedanta’s copper smelter plant permanently in Tuticorin. However, Chief Minister Edapaadi K Palaniswani said that his government would challenge the verdict in Supreme Court.
Announcing the order, the NGT directed Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to pass fresh order of renewal of consent for Vedanta’s copper smelter plant – commonly known as Sterlite plant – and had called the state government’s orders as ‘unjustifiable’. Along with this, the green tribunal also directed Vedanta Limited to spend Rs 100 crore over three years for ‘welfare activities’. HC Says TN Can Challenge Centre's Report Vis-a-vis Sterlite.
"We allow this appeal, set aside the impugned orders and direct the TNPCB (Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board) to pass a fresh order of renewal of consent and authorisation to handle hazardous substances ... within three weeks from today," the National Green Tribunal said in the order.
Reacting to the NGT order, CM Palaniswani stated that his government would challenge the NGT court order in the apex court.
It is to be known that the NGT order came a month after the Tamil Nadu government passed an order to shut down Vedanta’s copper smelter plant over alleged pollution that led to violent protests in May. Due to the protest, police opened fire on protesters, and 13 people died on the spot.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 15, 2018 03:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).