The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board vs. Sterlite Industries (I) Ltd (Sterlite Copper Plant Case)

Overview

The closure of the Sterlite Copper Plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, in 2018 (Copper Plant) – the manufacturing plant of Vedanta Limited – typifies the debate of balancing human rights and economic rights. Various economic and social models have evolved to understand and recognise human-centricity at all fronts, environment and development. However, a balanced approach is missing in viewing these domains holistically and collectively. While various reports and studies have established the environmental concerns leading to health harm, there is limited secondary literature analysing the economic impact. Therefore, the results and findings of this assessment of the economic impact of the Copper Plant closure have highlighted certain crucial learnings.