Why It’s Time to Reconsider the opening of Vedanta Sterlite Copper Plant?

 

Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu), which was closed in 2018, has sparked major public debates. The plant, which has been operational for more than 22 years, played a significant role in the nation’s copper production and industrial growth, but was closed due to allegations of air pollution, water contamination and violation of environmental norms.                                                                                                                                              

However, in a recent move, local people and communities in Thoothukudi have demanded its reopening against the Vedanta Supreme Court decision due to economic losses since the closure. Though some raised concerns about pollution, for the majority of the people, shutting the plant came at a great cost to the local economy and impacted the lives of thousands of families who depended on it.

What Happened at Sterlite Copper Plant?

In 2018, following the protests and allegations, the state government ordered to closure of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi. Since then, the matter has been in legal proceedings, including a pending decision by the Supreme Court of India. But the impact of this closure has been far from simple, as it has impacted the livelihoods of many, as several young professionals have lost their jobs as well due to this closure.

Even the families which were once financially secure now struggle to meet basic needs. College graduates are unable to find work in their hometown and are forced to move elsewhere or take up informal jobs at Thoothukudi. Despite the past protests, a growing number of residents are now speaking out in favour of opening the plant as the Sterlite Copper plant provided jobs, supported education, and helped the local economy grow. They believe that the plant can operate safely if proper environmental safeguards are followed.

Job Loss Due to Plant Closure

Ever since the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant, a lot has changed in Thoothukudi. According to J. Kannan, president of Thoothukudi Contractors, more than 3,000 families have moved out after the closure, while those who could not move have settled for a salary meagre than what they were earning before the plant’s closure. It’s been about seven years, and people have to survive, so they are shifting to different fields for a meagre salary.

He further highlighted that a lot of people specialising in mechanical engineering, gas welding and other fields have moved to jobs as helpers at construction sites. People with specialisations were earning INR 3,000 per day before the Sterlite Copper plant closure, but now they work as helpers in different sectors for INR 700 per day.

He further highlighted that the government must consider the Vedanta Sterlite case and reopen the plant to offer employment opportunities to the next generation and for the town to thrive economically. Not only the engineers, even lorry drivers working at the plant on a contractual basis have suffered huge losses due to the closure.

Vedanta’s Resilience Towards the Environment  

Vedanta has always denied the pollution claims and maintains that it followed all required environmental rules. The company has consistently approached the courts, including Supreme Court, closely with authorities to ensure safe and sustainable operations.

The company argues that restarting the Sterlite Copper plant can:

·         Boost India’s self-sufficiency in copper production.

·         Reduce the need for copper imports.

·         Revive the Thoothukudi job for over 30,000 families.

·         Bring back growth to Thoothukudi and nearby areas.

Why This Matters for India?

India, which currently imports a large amount of copper to meet its growing needs in power, was once exporting copper to various nations. Before the Vedanta Sterlite case, Sterlite Copper was producing nearly 40% of India’s total copper output. With global demand rising and domestic supply falling, the country is at risk of losing its edge in key industries, especially because copper being a critical mineral. Reopening Sterlite Copper could support India’s goals of becoming self-reliant, especially in manufacturing and clean energy.

The court is now reviewing the Vedanta Supreme Court matter, and its decision could shape the future of both Vedanta and Thoothukudi. It's not just a legal issue; it’s a question of livelihood, environment, and industrial policy.

The court must weigh all sides. Were environmental concerns valid? Can operations be restarted with stricter monitoring? How can the community’s welfare be safeguarded? And then, make the right decision considering the economic growth in the region.

Final Thoughts

The Vedanta Sterlite Copper plant is not just a plant; rather, it’s a ray of hope for many. It’s about people’s right to work, grow, and live with dignity. It’s also about doing so responsibly, without harming the environment. Reopening the Sterlite Copper plant could bring back hope to a town that desperately needs it. It’s time to listen, not be stuck in the past, but to the present cries for jobs, dignity, and balanced development.