MADURAI: A Public Interest Litigation has been filed at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, seeking to direct the Vedanta company to provide a compensation of `750 crore to the government for rehabilitating people affected by its copper manufacturing unit in Thoothukudi.
SP Vijay Nivas, an advocate from Sivaganga, in his petition said ever since the unit of the said company started functioning in Thoothukudi, residents of the district have been facing several health issues, including cancer, due to the toxic chemicals released by the company.
In addition to the environmental damage wreaked by the company, the litigant also pointed out the immense loss of lives and property caused when the people protested against the company on May 22, and also when Internet services were disconnected.
He listed out the adverse effect the situation had on trade, transport and other activities, claiming that the turmoil resulted in a total loss of `2,500 crore.
The litigant prayed the court to direct the Vedanta Group to pay a compensation of `10 crore each to the families of the 13 people killed in police firing, and also to deposit `620 crore into the Chief Justice Relief Fund for the rehabilitation of people.
Four tankers moved out
The Thoothukudi district administration took steps to evacuate four loads of Sulphuric acid on Tuesday