In a powerful demonstration aimed at drawing attention to the plight of those affected by the shutdown of the Sterlite Copper plant, members of the Paramathi-Velur Taluk Lorry Owners’ Association staged a protest demanding that the Tamil Nadu Government issue a Government Order (GO) to reopen the facility.
Formerly key suppliers of goods and trailer transportation during the plant’s operations, the lorry owners expressed their concerns over the severe decline in cargo transport, which has persisted since the plant’s closure. Over 500 lorry owners, drivers, assistants, and more than 100 lorries participated in the protest
Impact of the Shutdown:
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.
Loss of Employment:
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.
Economic Losses:
The shutdown has resulted in a daily revenue loss exceeding ₹10 crore in the region. Thousands are now burdened with debt and struggling to maintain a decent standard of living due to reduced financial capability.
Local Economic Impact:
Small businesses such as mechanic shops, tea stalls, and tire repair outlets have suffered significant income losses due to decreased transportation activity.
Decline in Freight Demand:
A consistent drop in freight movement, idle vehicles, reduced transactions, and falling freight rates have deeply impacted the transportation industry’s revenue.
Supply Chain Disruptions:
Reduced cargo transport services have disrupted inter-state trade and hindered the operations of industries relying on stable business exchanges, leading to reduced income and worsening living conditions.
The Lorry Owners’ Association believes that the Sterlite plant’s closure may have been influenced by misinformation or unseen malicious forces. They have urged the Tamil Nadu Government to take control of the plant’s operations and appoint an expert committee to monitor its functioning closely.
Call for Action:
The association emphasized that 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 shutdown has not only disrupted the transport sector but also destabilized the broader district economy. At one point, nearly 6,500 lorries depended on Sterlite’s operations to transport approximately 9,000 tons of copper daily, requiring around 430 lorries per day.
The current closure has devastated thousands of families and inflicted long-term economic damage. Reopening the Sterlite Copper plant is crucial to restoring the livelihoods of lorry drivers, helpers, and local businesses. It will also 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.
Sincerely,
K. Senthilkumar
President
Paramathi-Velur Taluk Lorry Owners’ Association
