Panel to probe gas leak at Sterlite plant

Tribunal said factory can function only for inspection & should not produce any products

The National Green Tribunal has given an interim order to form a committee to check the status of the machinery and instruments at Sterlite Industries India’s factory at Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The tribunal said the factory could function only for the inspection and should not produce anything for a commercial purpose.

The factory has remained closed since March 29, after the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) alleged SO2 emission went beyond the permissible level from Sterlite's copper factory.

The expert committee will have two members nominated by the tribunal and one from Sterlite and one from the Pollution Board. The members representing Sterlite and the board will assist the nominated members.

The committee comes after allegations (including from Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko) that Sterlite's machines and instruments attached to the plant were not working in proper condition and led to emission of SO2 in excess, and causing health hazards.