Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi. File | Photo Credit: Hindu
with Sterlite copper dropped its machinery out of RoathukudiA new question emerges: is it a profit for other states? The answer depends on your approach – as a citizen, seller, contractor, worker, pacifist, community leader or administrator.
The smelter was closed in Roathukudi in 2018Following allegations of air pollution and groundwater contamination. In May that year, we remember the police firing with grief, which 13 people lost their lives,
The currently moving forward, which is topical, is a decision taken by Vedanta resources, global mining and metal enterprises in mid -march which owns sterlite copper. The management is transferring all machinery and equipment purchased seven years ago. It will be re -prepared at his copper plant in Silvasa, Western India. This step is not completely unexpected. The capital cost of machines and materials to install a smelter is more than 6,000 crores, and a seven -year waiting with a silver lining in the cloud can be difficult for the owner of a project.
Is this the beginning of a complete decomitioning? Or is it too late for another opportunity? While the future is uncertain, it is worth going back in time.
The smelter was commissioned as the “Red category” unit in 1997 – the industry sectors were mentioned with a pollution index score of 60 and above.
In August 2020, Madras High Court ordered the closure of the plantThis was the decision Supreme Court retained in February 2024A Review petition was also rejected Only the remaining legal resort is an therapeutic petition, which is accepted, can reopen the case.
Here are questions that attach the brain: Is the level of pollution reduced considerably in Roathukudi because the smelter was closed? Is ground water less contaminated? Is rain more than before? Is the incident of cancer and respiratory issues below before?
Was working in over 60 red category units in the Roathukudi district, was Sterlite Copper the only cause of alleged pollution? For the answer, security, compliance and emission control parameters by the state administration can be initiated when implemented in each red category unit by the state administration. The reviews should include whether the required permission for consent and consent to operate or has been obtained or renewed according to the due date.
For sterlite copper, instead of total shutdowns, additional regulatory protocols on the route and safety enhancing areas may include safety enhancement. The management of the smelter has constantly stated that they are open to implement corrective measures.
Getting a complete understanding of a complex industry such as copper smelting is not easy for leparson. But the impact of the closure of a major facility is clear to all.
This was clear in West Bengal in 2008, when Ratan Tata shifted the Nano car plant to Gujarat when the then sanctuary party returned the land to the farmers. This affected the image and affected supporting industries of the state’s supporting industry.
Wisely, the Tamil Nadu government remained silent for years, while the sterlite case was Deputy judge For many years. Currently, with any petition pending or hearing in courts, it may be correct to lead to timely functioning, if it believes that the phased exit of sterlite copper is not in the best interest of the state and community.
While Tamil Nadu is rapidly on the route of industrial development, evidence indicates copper deficiency at the national level. International Copper Association Managing Director Mayur Karmakar said in an interview business Line Earlier this year, domestic copper production is struggling to keep pace with increasing demand.
Who benefits, which loses
With the recent commission of Kach Copper, Gujarat now has a stable supply of copper refined copper for industries, electric vehicles manufacturing and solar and wind energy equipment.
However, Tamil Nadu will have to create a source of important input materials from other parts of the country or import refined copper from abroad.
Is this a disadvantage to Tamil Nadu and has benefits for Gujarat or other states? The tide in Thoothukudi, which ebms and flows, may answer.
The author is a former journalist and now serves as a communication advisor
Published – 17 April, 2025 02:15 AM IST