The AIADMK government headed by Edapadi K Palaniswamy announced on Monday that it had ordered the permanent shutdown of the controversial Sterlite copper plant at Thoothukudi.
On May 22, 12 people were killed and dozens injured after police opened fire and cracked down on protesters who were demanding the plant's closure. One more person succumbed to his injuries on May 23. Protests to close the plant started nearly 20 years ago as local residents complained of pollution.
In a government ordered issued on Monday, the government cited the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's action against Sterlite, recommending the plant's closure late last week. The government cited the need to protect the environment as per Article 48-A of the Constitution and the larger public interest in issuing the closure order.
The TN Government's order | Supplied
Earlier on Monday, deputy chief minister O. Panneerselvam assured people in Thoothukudi the AIADMK government would work to permanently close the plant. He visited the district hospital in Thoothukudi.