Sterlite unit recommences operation under expert panel's vigil

The Sterlite Copper smelter unit in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin district, which was shut down over two months ago, has resumed operations after the national green tribunal's (NGT) expert panel gave a green signal, officials said today.

The panel members had conducted the second phase of inspection yesterday, and checked if the pollution monitoring equipment at the unit was working properly. Later, they gave the green signal for the operation of the plant, and the oxygen plant of the unit was started around 6 p.m. The full-fledged working of the plant is expected to commence in a few days, informed officials.

The team would conduct one more phase of inspection and a report would be submitted to the NGT and the Supreme Court, they said.

According to the officials, the team inspected the plant ahead of production by the unit, and is expected to stay during the unit's running to see if there is any impact on the environment.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had ordered on May 29 closure of the plant, on complaints that it was emitting toxic sulphur dioxide. Setting aside the order, the NGT had ordered constitution of the four-member expert panel to supervise the plant's operations.

Seeking quashing of the green panel's order, the pollution board then had moved to the Supreme Court.

However, the apex court refused to stay the NGT order, allowing Sterlite Industries Ltd to resume operation of its smelting plant under an expert committee's supervision.