Decision on Sterlite after green tribunal's verdict: Tamil Nadu Government

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Government today said it will take a decision on Sterlite Industries issue after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) gave its verdict on the firm's plea challenging the state Pollution Control Board's order directing the closure of copper smelting unit in Tuticorin.

Replying to a call attention moved by Opposition parties, including CPI (M) in the state Assembly, Environment Minister M C Sampth recalled that NGT had announced setting up a four-member panel to study the current status of the controversial copper smelting plant.

NGT had said the members of the panel would be announced on April 18 and that it would undertake a study and submit its report on April 29, Sampath said.

The Tribunal will give its verdict after that and the government will base its decision on that, he said.

The Vedanta Group company had sought a stay on the March 30 TNPCB order to close down its Tuticorin plant for posing health hazards, following protests by locals who were affected in the wake of alleged gas leak.