The ongoing agitation against polluting plywood units situated in the midst of residential areas in Perumbavoor has assumed a new dimension with one of the panchayats issuing fresh licences for new units. The residents, under the aegis of Environment Protection Forum, have taken up the issue with the authorities and plans are afoot to intensify the agitation. A case pertaining to pollution caused by plywood units in Vengola panchayat is pending before the Supreme Court.
A Central empowered committee, which studied the problem as directed by the Supreme Court, had submitted a report. The report has thrown light into unauthorised operation of a large number of plywood units.
The residents had been given assurance by the authorities to curtail the operations of polluting units.
A halt to sanction of new units had also been promised by the district authorities, according to the activists. The new development was a gross violation of the assurances given by the authorities, Varghese P., a leader of the regional forum opposing pollution, said.
