TUTICORIN: Residents of Sankaraperi and Meelavittan villages situated near the sealed Sterlite copper smelter plant have petitioned the Tuticorin district administration to reopen the plant and to resume the company’s

(CSR) activities.

Rajapandian, a resident of Meelavittan said the closure of the plant for the last one-and-a-half years has affected the livelihood of many who were directly and indirectly employed by Sterlite. “Miscreants are also hindering the CSR activities such as distribution of mineral water, distribution of scholarship to students and the tree plantation drives in our localities,” he claimed.

Ram, a resident of Sankaraperi alleged that due to interference by people opposing the plant, Sterlite’s free medical camps and distribution of free medicines have been disrupted.

Meanwhile, district collector Sandeep Nanduri on Monday said that all harmful chemicals have been completely removed from the plant and there is a heavy stock of

leftover. He also said that a committee led by the sub-collector is making periodic visits to the plant, and the Tuticorin Corporation is watering the trees on the premises to maintain the green cover.