Chennai, Jun 17 (PTI) MDMK chief Vaiko met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay here on Wednesday and urged the government not to approve any proposal submitted by Vedanta Limited/Sterlite Copper for establishing “Green Copper” anywhere in the state, more particularly in Thoothukudi district.
In a statement, he said Vedanta’s fresh attempt to start operations using recycled copper scrap is a mere change of nomenclature that “cannot erase the plant’s history of environmental degradation, public opposition, and judicial findings.” The Tamil Nadu government should reject any proposal, permission, licence, consent or approval sought by Vedanta Limited / Sterlite Copper for establishing, reviving, reopening or manufacturing “Green Copper” anywhere in Tamil Nadu, more particularly at Thoothukudi District, the MDMK chief said in a memorandum submitted to CM Vijay.
Vaiko said the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had already rejected the firm’s request on January 27, following which Vedanta initiated fresh litigation before the Madras High Court.
He further pointed out that the permanent closure and sealing of the Sterlite Copper plant in May 2018 has attained finality, having been upheld by the Madras High Court in 2020 and subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court on February 29, 2024. The apex court had categorically ruled that the establishment was not exculpated of its liability for environmental violations.
The memorandum highlighted that prior to Thoothukudi, Vedanta’s attempts to set up the plant in Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra were rejected due to severe environmental opposition, with the Maharashtra government revoking its license despite an investment of Rs 200 crore.
Recalling the 2018 anti-Sterlite agitation, Vaiko stated that the police firing on the 100th day of the protest, which claimed 13 civilian lives, shocked the nation’s conscience and transformed the issue into a matter of public health and constitutional rights.
The MDMK chief urged the government to prioritise public health over private commercial interests.
He further requested the chief minister to issue definitive directives to all state departments to deny any consent or clearance to Vedanta, and to instruct the Advocate General to effectively contest all pending litigations to protect the existing closure orders.
Meanwhile, Vaiko’s meeting with CM Vijay led to speculation of an alliance between MDMK and Vijay-led TVK. State Minister Aadhav Arjuna also met Vaiko on Tuesday. However, sources said MDMK is expected to decide on June 27 whether it will continue in its alliance with the DMK.
MDMK contested in four Assembly constituencies as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in the recently held Assembly elections and won two seats. PTI JR JR KH
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