22-04-2025
Lorry owners stage demonstration in Namakkal demanding reopening of Sterlite Copper Factory
The members of the Paramathi-Velur Taluk Lorry Owners Association staged a demonstration demanding that the Tamil Nadu government issue a Government Order (GO) to reopen the Sterlite Copper Factory in Thoothukudi on Tuesday.
Over hundreds of lorry owners and drivers participated in the protest held at the association office ground in Paramathi Velur.
Speaking at the demonstration, association president K. Senthilkumar said that the closure of Sterlite Copper has severely affected not just Tamil Nadu but also the livelihood of lorry drivers and their families across Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. At its peak, the plant relied on nearly 1,000 lorries daily, providing a vital source of income to thousands. Due to the plant's closure, over 600 lorry owners have been forced to take up driver roles to survive. Drivers, their assistants, and families are now battling unemployment and financial distress as many ancillary businesses have also shut down. The shutdown has resulted in a daily revenue loss exceeding Rs. 10 crore in the region. Small businesses such as mechanic shops, tea stalls, and tire repair outlets have suffered significant income losses due to decreased transportation activity, Mr. Senthilkumar added.
Alleging that the Sterlite plant's closure may have been influenced by misinformation or unseen malicious forces, Mr. Senthilkumar said that the Tamil Nadu government should take control of the plant's operations and appoint an expert committee to monitor its functioning. The plant should be reopened under strict environmental oversight using advanced technology. A special government order should be issued to ensure responsible and transparent operations. The reopening of the facility would help boost the economy, contribute significantly to the state's revenue, support domestic and global copper supply demands, and prevent further damage to local industries and livelihoods, he added.
