Entirely preventable

Entirely preventable

News:

1. The ongoing protest against the copper smelter plant of Sterlite Copper in Thoothukudi has resulted in the death of 12 people in police firing.

Important Facts:

2. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had already predicted that the protest was “likely to trigger a law and order situation” and declared that the “protesters do not have any intention of conducting a peaceful protest”.
3. Despite of this the Tamil Nadu government failed to make necessary arrangement. The situation has raised the concern about the government’s failure in handling the situation where unnecessary force was imposed to protester.
4. A commission of inquiry headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan is setup to examine police action.
5. It is irony that violent protest was oraganised when Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board refused to renew its consent on Sterlite plant to operate.
6. Madras High Court has restrained it from a proposed capacity expansion plan.
7. Sterlite stakes claim to be India’s largest copper producer. It has major presence in Tamil Nadu’s industrial mix.
8. steps to be taken

• The immediate task is to compensate the public for its losses.
• To solve the alienation of the affected communities through talks
• Organise the all-party meeting to resolve the issue.
• Infuse confidence in the community.
• A credible environmental audit should be undertaken without compromising on the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
• The TNPCB, which lack transparency, should consult the experts to assess the quality of air and water in Thoothukudi