more-in THOOTHUKUDI Anti-Sterlite Coordination Committee coordinator B.M. Tamilmanthan on Wednesday said a referendum should be held by the National Green Tribunal to gauge the sentiments of the people of Thoothukudi in connection with Sterlite issue. Speaking to reporters here, he said there was a competitive environment between pro and anti-Sterlite groups in submitting petitions to the NGT committee, which was formed to look into Vedanta’s plea seeking reopening of Sterlite plant. “This is unnecessary. If a referendum is held, the problem would be resolved,” he said. He also said a law should be enacted by the State government against establishment of ultra-red category industries in the State. M. Krishnamurthy, one of the coordinators, said a number of committees had already inspected the copper smelter plant, but no action was taken. “The government has simply repeated its order following the chemical leak in 2013. Such industries are not allowed in the western countries,” he said.

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