Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Vested interests” (May 24). The Tuticorin episode has raised many questions that various agencies need to answer. Why was the Sterlite copper unit allowed to be set up at allIJ At the time of seeking permission to set up the plant, the company must have spelt out the products they would manufacture. Aspects of pollution and the remedial plan to curb the same and other environmental aspects should have been taken into consideration then. What was the Pollution Control Board, which has now denied permission to operate the plant, doing thenIJ
Despite complaints from locals about widespread pollution for over a decade, why did successive Governments not take actionIJ There is no point blaming the present Government. Every Government which has held office, and especially the one which gave permission for the company to set up the plant, must own up for the current state of affairs. State Governments need to be careful before allowing industries to set up businesses.