Chennai, August 12: The expert panel set up by the Tamil Nadu government to inquire into the gas leak incident at Tuticorin on July 5 last, has completely exonerated the copper smelter plant of Sterlite Industries India Ltd, while pointing the needle of suspicion towards the neighbouring Ramesh Flowers Ltd.

The report of the panel, to be released later on Tuesday night, has suggested that both units, while being allowed to function, could be brought under stricter vigilence from the environment angle, official sources said on Tuesday.

The six ambient air quality stations set up by the Sterlite copper plant must be operated by an independent agency for one year, while the unit must be asked to set up three more such stations, according to the report.

It said the concerned gas could not have been sulphur dioxide as alleged, and Sterlite could not have caused the leak that affected 90 female workers in Ramesh Flowers' dry flower unit.

On the other hand, Ramesh Flowers must be brought under stricter monitoring, and any dyeing operation by the company should hereafter be held in the presence of a chemist and pollution control board officials, it added.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.