The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday said it was taking all necessary steps to close the Sterlite factory at Thoothukudi. The development comes even as 13 people have so far lost their lives amid violent protests demanding a closure of the factory, which they allege is hazardous.
Speaking to reporters, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami said: "Amma's (referring to former CM J Jayalalithaa) government is taking the legal route to ensure that Sterlite is shut down."
Section 144 was imposed, so that there were no untoward incidents. But, for selfish reasons, Opposition leaders decided to go ahead with protests, he added.
People were protesting all these years peacefully, but this time because of the Opposition and some other social elements, demonstrations turned violent. "It is because of this instigation that so many people have died. And, we are really saddened by the deaths," said the chief minister.
Palaniswami said Sterlite in April approached the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to continue running smelter, but it was denied permission, keeping in mind the people’s feelings.
He also said that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government in Tamil Nadu cancelled Sterlite's permission, but the management got a favourable order from the National Green Tribunal, which allowed the plant to run. Against the NGT order, the government has approached the Supreme Court, where the case is pending at present.