Accusing the State government of enacting a drama in the issue of closing the Sterlite Copper unit in Thoothukudi, MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Thursday said he would create awareness among the people about the dangers of the company as the State government would once again allow its functioning after the protests were over.
“It is claimed that The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has not granted permission to the factory. But it will again open it after the protests are over,” said Mr. Vaiko, who has been campaigning against factory for 22 years.
The MDMK leader, who is touring the region now, would address a public meeting in Thoothukudi on April 28.
Recalling the developments that led to Sterlite setting up its factory in Thoothukudi, Mr. Vaiko said it was originally planned to be established in Maharashtra, but the project was wound up after farmers ravaged the factory.
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“They feared that pollution from the factory would damage the environment and the renowned Alphonsa mangoes in Ratnagiri district. The then Chief Minister Sharad Pawar cancelled the permission to the factory,” he recalled.
Mr. Vaiko said though Sterlite could not get permission in Gujarat and Goa, the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa brushed aside all environment concerns and allowed the factory. “I visited every street in Thoothukudi in the 1996, 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2014 elections and campaigned against the factory. Though a factory like Sterlite could be set up only 25 km away from the National Marine Park, it was allowed to function just 15 km from the park,” Mr. Vaiko said.
The State government also relaxed the rules in favour of the company and a ‘green park’ was created with only 25 metre width. “I obtained an order for the closure of the factory by placing the two arguments in the court,” he said.
