In a blow to Sterlite Industries, a subsidiary of UK-based Vedanta Group, Supreme Court has ordered the company to pay a sum of Rs 100 crore as compensation for polluting environment through Tuticorin-based copper smelting unit in Tamil Nadu, however, refused to direct its closure. The Apex Court, however, has clarified that Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has right to pass order against the company including a direction for closure of plant.
Earlier, the Vedanta group company got order from Divisional Engineer of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, for the closure of the unit in Tuticorin employing around 700 workers. On March 30, 2013, the plant halted its operations after alleged gas leak that caused mild suffocation, sore throat and eye irritation to several people in the locality. However, in a bit of relief, the Apex Court has asked the company to pay the compensation over a period of five years to District Collector of Tuticorin.
