Sterlite Copper disputes TNPCB air-quality data

CHENNAI: A day after the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) submitted a report before the NGT-appointed expert committee, claiming air quality has improved around the Sterlite copper smelter unit after its closure, the company has disputed the methodology by which the the pollution board arrived at such a conclusion.

Addressing reporters on Monday, A Sumathi, associate vice-president, Sterlite Copper, said: “The TNPCB relied upon new data pertaining to analysis of soil, sediments, water and air samples collected during October 12 to 15 which was contested and demonstrated to be invalid as the subject samples were collected and analysed by a private laboratory appointed by the TNPCB without following due procedure as prescribed under the Air and Water Act. The analysis results were also challenged as it was carried out only to justify the earlier action of the TN government’s GO to close and seal the factory as the data collected before closure of Sterlite did not show any anomaly.”

Meanwhile, the committee finished the hearing on Monday and is obliged to submit its report by November-end. The matter is coming up for hearing before the NGT principal bench on December 10.
Sterlite has also dismissed the government’s allegation of the company violating green belt norms and maintaining inadequate stack height. “Sterlite has presented before the committee relevant documentary evidences showing compliance with environment norms and there is no justification from the state’s side for arbitrarily closing Sterlite’s smelter,” Sumathi added.