The Namakkal Lorry Owners’ Association and Namakkal Trailer Owners’ Association organised a protest on Monday to highlight the devastating impact of a prolonged downturn in the freight and logistics sector due to the closure of Sterlite Copper plant at Thoothukudi. The truck community in Nammal supplied a large number of trucks and trailers for the plant during its operation.

The copper smelting plant was shut down in 2018 following a prolonged protest by the locals, who had alleged that the plant was causing pollution and posing a health hazard.

The closure disrupted not only the transport sector but also the wider local economy. Nearly 6,500 trucks relied on the plant’s operations, with over 430 trucks needed daily to transport nearly 9,000 tonnes of materials produced by Sterlite Copper. The shutdown has devastated thousands of families and caused severe economic losses, said K Arul, President, Namakkal Trailer Lorry Owners Association.

The protest drew around 500 participants, including truck owners, drivers, helpers, and more than 150 lorries. They voiced concern over the survival of a large number of drivers, helpers, and business owners, whose livelihoods are being eroded by dwindling opportunities and unsustainable operating conditions.

Over 1,000 trucks operated daily during the Sterlite plant’s operation, providing vital livelihoods. However, over 600 lorry owners were forced to transition to becoming drivers. Drivers, helpers, and their families are struggling with unemployment and financial setbacks caused by the closure. The daily loss of over ₹10 crore has left thousands with mounting debts and declining well-being, he said.

Reduced transportation services are disrupting inter-State trade and industries reliant on steady supply chains, he added.

A special Government Order should be passed to ensure the plant operates under stringent supervision, similar to emission control systems in the trucking industry, leveraging advanced technology to minimise environmental impacts, he said.