By IANS,
Chennai: Sterlite Industries will appeal against the Madras High Court order closing down its copper smelter plant in Tuticorin.
“We have been informed by the counsels for the company about their decision to go on appeal,” said G. Ramapriya, advocate representing the city-based National Trust for Clean Environment (NTCE).
NTCE has filed a writ petition against the sanction of environmental clearances given to the smelter plant.
A two-member bench Tuesday ordered the closure of the 14 year-old plant since it was located within 25 km of the environmentally fragile zone near the Gulf of Mannar and the company did not develop green belt around the plant.
The court observed that the plant was in clear violation of the country’s pollution laws and was operating without holding the necessary public hearing and environment impact assessment (EIA).
“The Tuesday order closing down the plant reinforces my faith in the Indian judiciary,” S.Kirupanidhi, one of the NTCE trustees, told IANS.
Meanwhile, a Sterlite spokesperson said the plant was operating as it had not received the full judgement.