Chennai: Government rejected the application of Sterlite copper for a Consent to Operate (CTO) its plant even though the National Green Tribunal had allowed for its reopening. The government and The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board have filed an appeal against the NGT's verdict in the Supreme Court.
Shambhu Kallolikar, principal secretary & chairman, TNPCB, wrote to the associate vice-president of Sterlite Copper on Wednesday conveying the decision not to consider the request saying- "you are informed that the Tamil Nadu government and TNPCB have filed the appeal before the Supreme Court on January 2. Hence, your request for the issue of Authorisation under Hazardous Wastes Rules maintenance cannot be considered."
The NGT quashed a government of Tamil Nadu order sealing the copper smelter shut, holding that it was "non-sustainable" and "unjustified". Following this, the Vedanta group company on December 20 said it had sought permission from TNPCB to open its plant.
