Vaiko Urges Tamil Nadu Government to Reject Sterlite's Green Copper Proposal

MDMK chief Vaiko on Wednesday urged the Tamil Nadu government to reject any proposal by Vedanta Limited/Sterlite Copper to establish or revive copper manufacturing operations in the state, particularly in Thoothukudi , under the proposed " Green Copper " initiative.

In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay , Vaiko said the company's plan to process recycled copper scrap under a new label was merely a change in nomenclature and did not erase its history of environmental violations, public opposition and judicial findings.

He called on the government to deny any licence, consent, clearance or approval sought by Vedanta or Sterlite Copper for setting up or reopening copper operations anywhere in Tamil Nadu.

Vaiko noted that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had rejected the company's request on January 27, prompting fresh litigation before the Madras High Court. He also pointed out that the closure and sealing of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi, ordered in May 2018, was upheld by the Madras High Court in 2020 and later affirmed by the Supreme Court on February 29, 2024. The apex court, he said, held that the company remained liable for environmental violations.

Recalling the 2018 anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi, during which 13 civilians were killed in police firing, Vaiko said the issue had become one of public health and constitutional rights. He urged the government to prioritise public welfare over commercial interests and direct all departments to deny approvals to Vedanta while vigorously defending existing closure orders in court.

The meeting between Vaiko and CM Vijay also sparked speculation about a possible MDMK-TVK alliance, though party sources said MDMK will decide on its future political alignment on June 27.