Subject category:
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Published by:
IBS Center for Management Research
Length: 13 pages
Data source: Published sources
Abstract
The case explains the events that led to the closure of the Sterlite Copper (Sterlite) plant in Thoothukudi in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Massive protests by anti-Sterlite activists against the alleged environmental hazards caused by the Sterlite plant culminated in the death of ten people in police firing and eventually led to the Tamil Nadu state government shutting down the Sterlite plant. The case highlights the flouting of environmental rules and regulations by Sterlite. The impact of the environmental pollution caused by the Sterlite plant on air, water, and land is explained with the help of various reports and studies conducted by environmental agencies. The views and opinions of the general public, industry observers, business analysts, and environmental agencies are presented in the case. The case also points out to the fact that Sterlite was contributing to the development of the area by generating employment opportunities and providing a livelihood to thousands of people. Sterlite was catering to 36 percent of the domestic copper requirements of the country. There were scores of local and allied industries dependent on the copper produced by Sterlite. The impact of the closure of the plant on the development of the area and the allied industries is also discussed.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 1997-2018.Geographical setting
Region:
Asia
Country:
India
Featured company
Sterlite Copper
Employees:
1001-5000
Type:
Public company
About
Abstract
The case explains the events that led to the closure of the Sterlite Copper (Sterlite) plant in Thoothukudi in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Massive protests by anti-Sterlite activists against the alleged environmental hazards caused by the Sterlite plant culminated in the death of ten people in police firing and eventually led to the Tamil Nadu state government shutting down the Sterlite plant. The case highlights the flouting of environmental rules and regulations by Sterlite. The impact of the environmental pollution caused by the Sterlite plant on air, water, and land is explained with the help of various reports and studies conducted by environmental agencies. The views and opinions of the general public, industry observers, business analysts, and environmental agencies are presented in the case. The case also points out to the fact that Sterlite was contributing to the development of the area by generating employment opportunities and providing a livelihood to thousands of people. Sterlite was catering to 36 percent of the domestic copper requirements of the country. There were scores of local and allied industries dependent on the copper produced by Sterlite. The impact of the closure of the plant on the development of the area and the allied industries is also discussed.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.Settings
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 1997-2018.Geographical setting
Region:
Asia
Country:
India
Featured company
Sterlite Copper
Employees:
1001-5000
Type:
Public company