Sterlite plant will not be reopened: Official

Thoothukkudi district administration on Monday reiterated that controversial Sterlite copper smelter unit will not be reopened again and urged people to disbelieve rumours being circulated in this regard both on and offline, saying the plant may get a fresh lease of life.

The Vedanta owned plant was closed ont May 28 soon after the death of 13 people who were killed by police firing on May 22 while protesting against the plant. The police had said that some of the protesters had turned violent.

According to Sandeep Nanduri, collector, Thoothukkudi district, the state government had taken a policy decision in closing the Sterlite copper smelter.

“As the Tamil Nadu government has passed an order for the closure of the copper smelter, we have terminated water, electricity and other facilities to the unit. So, there is no chance of it reopening again. People need not panic because of rumours and falsehoods,” said Sandeep.

He pointed out that about 99% of the sulphuric acid leak inside the plant had been removed post closure.

“We have removed most of the sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid and other acids. Materials like gypsum, rock phosphate and copper concentrate we are unable to remove. However, we will neutralise them by adding necessary components to it,” the collector noted.

Also, he said the district administration had opened a dedicated website to provide employment for people who lost their jobs due to the closure of the Sterlite plant.

“We have received 400 registrations till now through the website,” said Sandeep.

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