Anti-Sterlite bandh call evokes good response at Tuticorin

TUTICORIN (TN): The bandh call given by anti Sterlite protestors to permanently shut down the copper smelter unit following alleged leak of noxious gas evoked good response in the town on Monday.

Most of the shops and commercial establishments remained closed, with only a few medical shops and others selling essential items being open, an official said.

Adequate security personnel were deployed in the district to prevent any untoward incident.

The operations of the plant were halted on March 30 after the March 23 alleged gas leak which caused mild suffocation, sore throat and eye irritation to several people in the locality.

On April 2, the Supreme Court asked Sterlite Industries, a subsidiary of UK-based Vedanta Group, to pay Rs 100 crore as compensation for polluting environment through its unit but refused to direct its closure.