The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has ordered the closure of Sterlite Copper Smelter plant in Thoothukudi with immediate effect and disconnected electricity supply to the unit early on Thursday. Orders to close the plant were issued by the Chairman of the TNPCB on Wednesday. The power supply to the unit was disconnected at 5.15 a.m. on Thursday, sources said. In its orders, the TNPCB said that during inspections undertaken by its officials on May 18 and 19, it was found that “the unit was carrying out activities to resume its production operations.”

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has ordered the closure of Sterlite Copper Smelter plant in Thoothukudi with immediate effect and disconnected electricity supply to the unit early on Thursday. Orders to close the plant were issued by the Chairman of the TNPCB on Wednesday. The power supply to the unit was disconnected at 5.15 a.m. on Thursday, sources said. In its orders, the TNPCB said that during inspections undertaken by its officials on May 18 and 19, it was found that “the unit was carrying out activities to resume its production operations.”