The Sterlite Copper Smelting Plant in Tuticorin has been ordered to shut down operations by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) with immediate effect. The order comes in the wake of reports of leakage of noxious gases that led to skin irritation, breathlessness and nausea among the residents of the town. The plant has a smelter and a refinery and produces copper rods, sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid.
A TNPCB official said, The TNPCB issued the order to shut down the plant with immediate effect and the power utility on Friday night disconnected the power supply to the plant. We are in the process of stopping operations.