Breaking: TN govt passes order to permanently shut down Sterlite plant

According to reports, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday has reportedly issued a Government Order (G.O) for the permanent closure of the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi. The move comes as a huge relief for the residents of the harbour town after the killing of at least 13 people in police firing at anti-Sterlite protesters.

The government has taken the decision in respect to the people’s sentiments and opinions, the statement, released by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, reportedly said. Earlier, CM Palaniswami, Deputy CM O Panneerselvam and several other ministers, along with Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, held discussions at the Secretariat on the matter.

Opposition leaders and environmental activists demanded the closure of the plant highlighting various environmental and health hazards. Meanwhile, the families of the deceased and injured in the police firing said that the closure of the plant is the only way to end their sufferings.