Five years after the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi, the controversy surrounding the plant continues to haunt the town. The plant was shut down on May 28, 2018, following violent protests against its operation, which had been ongoing for over two decades.
The closure of the plant has had a significant impact on the town’s economy, as it was one of the largest employers in the region. The plant’s closure has led to the loss of thousands of jobs and has impacted the livelihoods of many families.
Despite the closure of the plant, the controversy surrounding its operation continues. The Tamil Nadu government has ordered an inquiry into the plant’s operation and the role of the state pollution control board in granting permission for the plant’s operation.
The controversy surrounding the plant has also led to several legal battles. Vedanta Limited, the parent company of Sterlite Copper, has challenged the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to shut down the plant in the Supreme Court.
The plant’s closure has also sparked protests and demonstrations by locals and activists who are demanding the plant’s permanent closure. The protesters claim that the plant has caused irreparable damage to the environment and the health of the people living in the vicinity.
The closure of the Sterlite Copper plant has also had a significant impact on the copper industry in India. India is heavily dependent on imports for copper, and the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant has resulted in a significant increase in copper imports.
In conclusion, the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi has had a significant impact on the town’s economy and the copper industry in India. The controversy surrounding the plant’s operation continues, and the legal battles and protests surrounding the plant’s closure are likely to continue for some time. The government and stakeholders need to find a sustainable solution that takes into account the concerns of all parties involved.
