The State Human Rights Commission has ordered the immediate stoppage of work at a hollow bricks factory in Pothencode, following complaints of environmental pollution and sound pollution. The commission has termed as ‘surprising’ the Pollution Control Board’s decision to award the factory licence to function till 2019.
Acting chairman P. Mohandas issued the order for closing down of the factory, until all the issues regarding environmental and sound pollution are addressed. The Pothencode panchayat secretary has to inform the commission regarding the steps taken, within a month.
The commission had earlier asked for an explanation from the District Medical Officer. As per the report filed by the Pothencode grama panchayat secretary, the factory is functioning legally. As per the report filed by the Pollution Control Board, instructions have been given to the factory owners to not keep it functioning during night time.
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