Panel to be set up to study Sterlite plant status: National Green Tribunal

CHENNAI: The National Green Tribunal today said a four-member committee would be set up to study the current status of the controversial copper smelting plant of Sterlite Industries at Tuticorin.

The committee, comprising two members from the Tribunal and one each from Sterlite Industries and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board ( TNPCB), would submit its report on April 29 on the functioning of the plant, said the bench of Justice Chockalingam and Professor R Nagendran.

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.

The Supreme Court had earlier this month asked the company to pay Rs 100 crore compensation for polluting the environment through its copper smelting plant but refused to direct its closure. The court's judgement would, however, have no bearing on TNPCB's direction on shutting down the plant.

Sterlite Industries had said its plant has adhered to required safety norms and posed no health hazard.