The popular movement against the setting-up of the proposed biomedical waste treatment facility near Palode shows no signs of letting up. The action council that has been opposing the move of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) is all set to intensify its agitation on Monday.
The Agasthyamala Biosphere Conservation Forum, which has been spearheading the agitation, has accused the Indian Medical Association (IMA) of attempting to implement the project at any cost, despite claiming to understand the concerns of the public.
Forum chairman M. Shiraz Khan and secretary V.S. Pramod alleged that the IMA, which has reportedly been receptive towards the demand of shifting the project, has initiated preliminary steps to launch the construction at the identified site at Elavupalam. The agitators also claimed that the IMA has been hell-bent in misleading the authorities concerned in their bid to realise the project.
The agitators add that the organisation’s stance is reflective of its scant regard towards the welfare of the tribal community in the region and activists who seek to conserve the environment. The IMA has also gone back on their assurance to arrange a visit for the agitators to IMAGE (Indian Medical Association Goes Eco-Friendly), the biomedical waste treatment, and disposal facility at Palakkad, in order to allay their concerns.
The protesters will erect a makeshift ‘pandal’ at the proposed project site on Monday as part of intensifying their agitation. Leaders of the Peringamala grama panchayat, ruled by the LDF, political workers, and social activists are expected to lend their support towards the agitation.
Opinion sought
Meanwhile, District Collector K. Vasuki has sought an elaboration in writing of the views that was expressed by A.G. Pandurangan, Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, in Palode at the public hearing that was recently held, along with findings to substantiate his views.
During the discussions, Dr. Pandurangan had highlighted the possible ramifications of establishing the treatment plant at the ecologically fragile region that was a hotbed of rare flora and fauna. It was only a few days ago that the Nedumangad tahsildar had submitted a report to the Collector, citing the legal hurdles that existed in setting-up the facility on the land, a some of which has been termed wetland.
The presence of several scheduled caste and scheduled tribe families in the close vicinity to the project site was also highlighted. The Collector is expected to submit a report to the State government soon after studying the reports.
