Tamil Nadu allows Vedanta's Sterlite plant to produce oxygen for four months
Closed since 2018 over pollution concerns, the Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi has been allowed to operate only for four months for medical oxygen production
The Tamil Nadu government on Monday allowed Vedanta's sealed Sterlite Industries in Tuticorin to operate for the production of medical oxygen for a four-month period in view of the depleting oxygen reserves amid the massive spread of the coronavirus cases.
The unit was sealed by the state government in May 2018, days after 13 agitators were killed in police firing during a violent anti-Sterlite protest in the southern district.
On Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami-chaired meeting, attended by main opposition party DMK among others, resolved to allow Sterlite to produce oxygen from its plant in Tuticorin, days after Vedanta moved the Supreme Court in this connection.
"As per the Supreme Court directive, power supply may be allowed for Vedanta's Sterlite Industries in Tuticorin for four months to repair and operate oxygen producing and related equipment only," the meeting resolved.
While granting the permission, the state government directed the Sterlite plant not to be involved in the production of copper or any other material.
The period may be extended later but "at no cost" shall other activities like copper manufacturing and running the co-generation plant shall be allowed and the "power supply shall be cut after this period (four months) by TANGEDCO," it added.
Tamil Nadu should get priority in the oxygen being produced here and it shall be taken to other states only after meeting its requirements.
On Friday, the apex court had said people were dying due to lack of oxygen and questioned the Tamil Nadu government as to why it cannot take over the Sterlite copper unit for producing oxygen to treat Covid-19 patients.
"We are not interested that Vedanta or A, B or C runs it. We are interested that oxygen should be produced," a bench headed by then Chief Justice S A Bobde had said.
"Somebody should say something concrete because people are dying due to lack of oxygen," the bench said.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!