The Federation Demands Re-Opening of Sterlite Copper Plant in Thoothukudi
The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has been in the news recently, with the issue of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi taking center stage. The plant, which was shut down in 2018, has been a topic of heated debate and controversy. While some argue that the plant poses a threat to the environment and the health of the local community, others believe that it is an essential source of employment and economic growth for the region. Amidst all this, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has stepped in, demanding the re-opening of the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi.
The Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi, owned by Vedanta Limited, has been a major contributor to the Indian economy for over two decades. The plant, with a capacity of producing 400,000 tonnes of copper per year, has been a significant player in the global copper market. It has also been a major source of employment for the local community, providing livelihood to thousands of families in the region. The plant has been a symbol of progress and development for Thoothukudi, which is otherwise a relatively underdeveloped region.
However, in 2013, the plant was ordered to shut down after a gas leak caused the death of one of its employees. The incident sparked protests and outrage among the local community, and the plant was subsequently shut down in 2018 after the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) found that it was operating without the necessary environmental clearance. Since then, the plant has been at the center of a legal battle, with Vedanta challenging the closure order in various courts.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), which is the largest and oldest business organization in India, has come out in support of Vedanta and has demanded the re-opening of the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi. In a statement, FICCI has highlighted the importance of the plant in providing employment and boosting the economy of the region. The organization has also stressed that the plant has been operating in compliance with all environmental regulations and has been a responsible corporate citizen.
Moreover, FICCI has also raised concerns about the impact of the plant’s closure on the global copper market. With the increasing demand for copper in various industries, the closure of the Sterlite plant has resulted in a supply shortage, leading to a rise in prices. This has not only affected the Indian economy but has also impacted the global market.
The FICCI’s demand for the re-opening of the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi is not only about the economic benefits but also about the welfare of the local community. The closure of the plant has left thousands of people unemployed and has disrupted the lives of many families who were dependent on the plant for their livelihood. The plant has also been involved in various community development initiatives, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which have benefited the local community.
It is worth noting that Vedanta has already invested over Rs 3,000 crores in the Sterlite plant and has plans to invest an additional Rs 1,000 crores in its expansion. This shows the company’s commitment to the region and its people. The re-opening of the plant will not only bring back the lost jobs but will also create new employment opportunities and boost the local economy.
In conclusion, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s demand for the re-opening of the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi is a step in the right direction. The plant has been an integral part of the region’s growth and development, and its closure has had a significant impact on the economy and the local community. As a responsible organization, Vedanta has always operated in compliance with environmental regulations and has been a responsible corporate citizen. It is time for the authorities to take a positive step towards resolving the issue and allowing the plant to resume its operations, thus bringing back the much-needed progress and development to Thoothukudi.
