SC directs pollution panels to probe Sterlite’s Tuticorin plant

The court also directed Vedanta-owned Sterlite to complete the implementation of the TNPCB-recommended environmental standard norms by August 31.

It has asked the state pollution control board to file an affidavit about the developments according to the May 9 order of the Supreme Court.

The court had on May 9 granted Sterlite four weeks to respond to the report by the TNPCB. This report contained norms for treatment and effective disposal of the effluents,allegedly containing high amounts of gypsum,discharged from the Tuticorin unit. The report also mentioned that a request by Sterlite for formal consent from the TNPCB to operate its unit was rejected by the authority.

By an interim order in October 2010,the court had stayed the operation of the Madras High Court order,directing closure of the industry. The court had also recorded an undertaking from Sterlite Industries that it has complied with the all-green belt and health facilities norms required for ensuring public safety and health.

Sterlite Industries,a subsidiary of UK-based Vedanta Group,had moved the apex court against the order of the high court which had on September 28,2010,ordered shutting down of the smelting plant for reportedly failing to comply with environmental norms.

It had passed the order based on a PIL filed by MDMK leader Vaiko Gopalswamy and others.