Sterlite Copper highlights its social efforts

CHENNAI: Days after Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board ordered the company's closure of its Tuticorin plant in the wake of noxious gas leak, Sterlite Copper today went all out to woo the state Government claiming that it has taken a series of efforts for benefitting the region.


The Vedanta Group company, in advertisements published in major newspapers here today, claimed it was the "second largest contributor in terms revenue to the Tuticorin port".

Noting that it provides 23,000 direct and indirect employment in the region, the company said, it has taken several social activities including laying of road in Tuticorin at a cost of Rs 1.13 crore and donation of 400 beds to Tuticorin Government hospital costing Rs 50 lakh.

Besides, the company said it had successfully completed 100 heart surgeries for children in the region costing Rs 80 lakh.

While some political parties have welcomed the decision closing the plant, the employees of the company yesterday, undertook a rally demanding that the plant be re-opened.

In a statement issued on Saturday reacting to the closure of the plant, the company said it would "reengage with TNPCB to explain the factual position and would commit to cooperate fully with the authorities to be able to restart operations (of the plant)".

The company has also stated that it has installed safety measures that were on par with the international standards after the authorities ordered for its closure.