Vedanta seeks TNPCB permission to reopen copper smelter plant

Chennai, Dec 20 (IANS) Vedanta Ltd has applied to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for permission to reopen its copper smelter plant, known as Sterlite Copper, in Tuticorin following a favourable decision from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), a senior official said here on Thursday.

The company has reapplied for getting the Consent to Operation with TNPCB for restarting the copper smelter plant, P. Ramnath, CEO, Sterlite Copper, told reporters here on Thursday.

He said the plant can start operations within two months on receipt of the permission.

On December 15, the NGT set aside the Tamil Nadu government's order to close the copper smelter plant permanently. The NGT ordered the TNPCB to renew the Consent to Operate within three weeks.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has said it would appeal against the NGT order in the Supreme Court.

Tamil Nadu had ordered the closure of the Tuticorin plant, around 650 km from Chennai, following protests and death of 13 persons in a police firing on May 22.

Locals allege the plant causes pollution and affects their health.

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