AGENCIES
The National Green Tribunal, NGT has set aside the Tamil Nadu Government order to close down the copper smelter plant Sterlite in Tuticorin. The Vedanta Group plant has been shut down following agitations on charges of pollution.
However, the NGT Bench headed by its chairperson AK Goel in its verdict has said there is no proof to substantiate the charges.
The Tribunal has asked the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to pass a fresh order of renewal of consent within three weeks from today.
It has also asked the Sterlite management to spend a hundred crore rupees in three years for the development of the area where the industry is located. Several political parties and NGOs have criticised the verdict saying it goes against the interests of the public.