The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has refused to grant permission to Vedanta Limited to operate its proposed ‘Green Copper’ plant at the Sterlite factory premises in Thoothukudi. The plant site has remained closed and unused since 2018.
Vedanta, a multinational business group, had applied for a ‘Consent to Operate’ (CTO), which is mandatory for running any industrial facility. Without this approval from the TNPCB, the company cannot start operations.
The company submitted its application to the pollution control board on January 9. However, the TNPCB rejected the request on January 27. After the rejection, Vedanta approached the Madras High Court, asking the court to cancel the board’s order and allow the project to move forward.
G. Arul Murugan on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. During the hearing, the judges asked the state government to clarify its position on the issue.
The court directed Additional Advocate General (AAG) J. Ravindran to get instructions from the government about forming an expert committee. This committee would study whether the proposed ‘Green Copper’ plant can be allowed to function and assess its environmental impact.
The judges gave time until February 26 for the government to respond with details about the committee.
The Sterlite plant has been a sensitive issue in Thoothukudi for several years, with concerns raised earlier about pollution and environmental damage. Because of this background, the authorities are taking a cautious approach before allowing any new activity at the site.
The case will be heard again after the government provides its response.