India

Thoothukudi Sterlite could face catastrophe if Sulfuric acid leak isn’t managed in time

Thoothukudi Sterlite could face catastrophe if Sulfuric acid leak isn’t managed in time

The officials of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi have filed a petition to the Madurai High Court and has asked for the restoration of the power back so that they can tackle the problem of the sulfuric acid leak. They have warned the court that the leak could cause severe damage to the people and surroundings if it isn’t controlled in time. The acid was discovered to be leaking from the unit on Monday.

The Petition says, “The petitioner found that there is a severe leakage from pipe flanges and the same cannot be arrested as the pipe flanges are submerged in acid pool collected in the dykes provided around the acid storage tank,” says Sterlite. “The Petitioner therefore addressed communication dated 16.06.2018 and 17.06.2018 to the 8th Respondent, requesting urgent intervention in the matter and once again sought minimum supply of electricity and manpower to evacuate the acid at the earliest.”

It also details the impending catastrophe that people could face if its not managed in time, “The plant has a further 7-8 tanks of sulphuric acid, which if left unattended could result in similar leakages and thus graver consequences to the plant itself and surrounding areas. A disaster at the plant would have very serious repercussions and the authorities are turning a deaf ear to the repeated entreaties of the petitioner and its employees. Further, due to the tense situation prevailing and the Government’s stated objective of permanently closing the plant, its (Sterlite) employees and officers are unable to even secure an appointment with the Government officials.”

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Abhishek Rana

Since my early childhood, I’ve loved writing, watching movies and having an opinion. Now, I do it professionally. Always looking for new ways to challenge myself.

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