TN faces shortage of copper
CHENNAI: Due to the closure of the Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi after violent protests by a section of locals alleging pollution, Tamil Nadu faces a shortage of copper for its electric transformers and works related to modernisation of power plants are hit, state minister for energy P Thangamani told the assembly on Friday. To meet the demand, the state will import copper from other states and there will be no power cuts, he said.
In a related development, senior minister D Jayakumar said the state would explore the possibilities of providing alternate employment for those who will lose their jobs due to the Sterlite factory closure. He said the state was concerned about the local staff associated with Sterlite.
According to Sterlite insiders, 1,100 permanent staff are on the payrolls in Thoothukudi. Another 3,000 are employed on a contractual basis. About 800 trucks were engaged daily in the logistics, carrying raw and finished goods from the copper smelter plant before it was shut down, sources told HT.
“Closure of plants can be reconsidered as long as the concerned corporates ensure remedies — this is considering the need for jobs sustenance and economic growth,” Ar Rm Arun, chairman, TN State Council of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), told HT.
It is also important for companies to follow a humane approach in every area of their working, rather than only chasing after profits, he added. All stakeholders, whether the government, corporates, employees or public at large, need to be made account- able for their actions to bring inclusive development of the state rather than promoting vested interests. “It’s necessary to move away from populist measures that don’t bring about sustainable long-term results,” Arun added.
Thoothukudi district collector Sandeep Nanduri said, “We have not received any orders from the state on alternate employment but if the state decides to work on a policy, the district administration would study the Sterlite human resource and act accordingly.” For the security of Sterlite staff, adequate police has been deployed, he added. “The management will decide on its human resource and salaries were paid till last month. The management had instructed not to stop ongoing corporate social works in Thoothukudi,” said Esakkiappan Madasamy, spokesperson of Sterlite’s plant in Thoothukudi.