While many people are coming with the common question regarding proofs for Sterlite polluting Thoothukudi, here's a detailed analysis and the truths regarding the same. More than the commonly discussed copper smelters being a source of air pollution, the major trouble happens to be the fugitive emissions. With respect to copper smelters, SO2 gas and other gases get transformed into toxic dust, and travel in the air, and in case of Thoothukudi, for example if wind blows at 1 km/hour, the smokestack will spread over Thoothukudi in 6 hours totally.
While the allowed discharge of SO2 by Sterlite happens to be 1.2 tonnes per day, the same has not been maintained by Sterlite. Fugitive emissions, other than the wrong site chosen for construction of factory, happens to be a major issue, as gases constantly escape when furnaces are opened. It was reported way back in 2013 by Supreme Court that as per NEERI Reports, the emissions by Sterlite do not conform to TNPCB standards, under air act. The emissions through chimney stacks were very irregular, and highly deviating from the permissible levels.
According to the NEERI report, the
fluoride levels were also at an alarming high rate, which was always dangerous
for people living in the vicinity. Besides, the TNPCB bringing down the green
belt from 250 metres to 25 metres also impacted the environment badly.
Reduction of the greenbelt has resulted in almost no trees in the heavily
impacted Kumararedduapuram.
