PTI reported that Vedanta group company Sterlite Industries is hopeful of rectifying all deficiencies, pointed out by the Supreme Court at its copper plant at Tuticorin of Tamil Nadu by the end of next year.

Mr P Ramnath CEO of Sterlite Copper said that "Sterlite has proactively already started implementing some of the recommendations made in the Supreme Court judgement. We are quite hopeful that all the deficiency pointed out by the Supreme Court would be rectified by end of the next year."

The apex court today directed Sterlite Industries to remove deficiencies like lack of proper waste disposal and effluent treatment at Tuticorin copper plant which are causing pollution.

Sterlite said that it has green belt on over 13 hectares and while the case was being heard by the Supreme Court, it went ahead for covering more areas. The company is in the process of getting allotment for 4-5 hectares from SIPCOT for additional plantation.

Mr Ramnath said that the company has allocated additional funds to further meet the deficiency. The Tuticorin smelter has been operating for more than 12 years as per global standards. The company is committed to employing environmentally friendly technologies and would work in close coordination with all the agencies to ensure environment friendly measures.

The apex court passed the order after going through a report filed by the Pollution Control Board pointing out a series of deficiencies in the operation of the plant which was causing pollution.

(Sourced from Press Trust of India)