SIPCOT land alloted by State Govt to Vedanta Sterlite for phase 2 stands cancelled

State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday said that the land allotted by State Government to Vedanta Sterlite for phase 2 stands cancelled.

This comes as another setback for the Anil Agarwal-owned Vedanta unit, which is at the centre of a violent agitation led by residents who claim the smelter has caused widespread pollution of air and water in the southern city.

Earlier on Monday, the Tamil Nadu government directed the state's environment regulatory body to seal the Vedanta group's copper plant and close it down "permanently" following last week's violent protests during which 13 people were killed in police firing.

The Government Order (GO) said it endorsed the recent closure direction of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, and also asked the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to "seal the unit and close the plant permanently".

The order recalled how on May 23 the TNPCB had issued directions for closure of the unit and disconnection of power supply to it. The power supply was disconnected a day later.

The locals were protesting for the closure of the factory for 99 days. Protesters turned violent on May 22, the 100th day of their stir, and 13 people were killed in police action against them last Tuesday and Wednesday.

Internet connectivity has also resumed on Sunday after it was suspended on May 23.

(with PTI inputs)