SC Sets Aside NGT Order Allowing Reopening of Sterlite Plant

TNPCB had told the Supreme Court that Sterlite can’t be allowed to operate as it was involved in a series of violations resulting in an alarming level of groundwater pollution.

(Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

The Supreme Court on Monday, 18 February, refused to allow reopening of Vedanta's Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu but granted it liberty to approach the high court.

A bench headed by Justice RF Nariman said it is allowing Tamil Nadu's appeal against the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order only on grounds of maintainability.

It said NGT has no jurisdiction to order the reopening of the plant.

Sandeep Nanduri, Collector of Thoothukudi District, after the SC order, said that the removal of waste from the Sterlite plant will be stopped. He said that the plant will be closed permanently and no work will be done.

“The police force deployed near the plant will be gradually reduced.”

Sandeep Nanduri, Collector, Thoothukudi

The apex court has also asked the Tamil Nadu government and Vedanta to approach the Madras High Court on the issue.

Reacting to the order, CEO of Sterlite plant said that the company has been granted liberty to approach the Madras High Court.

“The order by the National Green Tribunal dated December 15th has been set aside by the Hon’ble Supreme Court solely on the grounds of maintainability, but we have been granted liberty to approach the Madras High Court for suitable remedy. In view of the above, after going through the Hon’ble Supreme Court order in detail, in consultation with our legal team, we will decide our way forward on this matter.”

P Ramnath, CEO, Sterlite Copper

“We would like to reiterate that Sterlite Copper has always been an environmentally compliant and conscious company for the past two decades. We will remain committed to excellence in Health, Safety and Environment aspects of our operations. We will continue to work with our stakeholders and the people of Thoothukudi to reinforce our commitment towards the inclusive growth of Thoothukudi and the nation at large,” Ramnath said.

According to The Hindu, the security had been tightened in Thoothukudi, ahead of the SC verdict. Around 1,600 police personnel had been deployed in the area.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has argued that Sterlite was responsible for air and water pollution and the resultant health hazards, NDTV reported.

The Supreme Court had, on 7 February, reserved its order on an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board against the NGT order.

Sterlite has said that the order to close the factory was taken due to political considerations.

Thousands protested against the Sterlite copper plant, owned by the Vedanta group in May 2018 on the streets of Thoothukudi. Thirty-three people died in the protests where the police allegedly opened fire on the protesters, who were on their way to the district collector's office to submit a petition.

(With inputs from NDTV and The Hindu)