Vedanta Resources' anti-green image could impact the brand globally

The Tuticorin row is just the latest; the firm has faced heat over environmental issues in both in India and abroad

Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Resources is now perceived to be repeatedly breaching environmental norms which is not just expected to hurt its brand image but could also make investors more watchful when the globally diversified natural resources company chalks out its next expansion plan.

Last month, the Madras High Court ordered permanent shut down of Sterlite Industries’ copper smelter in Tuticorin after the protest from local residents led to death of 13 people as police opened fire to bring situation under control. The protests had started in February as local residents demanded permanent closure of the 400,000 tonne plant on environmental grounds. 

This,