The Palakkad-based Jana Jagratha Samithi has urged the State government to initiate stringent action against the chief of the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) for not initiating any action against the Coca-Cola company which refused to compensate victims of water and soil pollution ‘caused by it’ at Plachimada.
The demand comes close on the heels of reports that the Union Ministry of Home had returned the Plachimada Coca-Cola Victims’ Relief and Compensation Tribunal Bill, 2011, unanimously passed by the State Assembly. The Centre had not referred the Bill for Presidential assent.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the samithi said the PCB Chairman failed to initiate action despite a directive of the State government.
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“It was in 2007 that the PCB issued a notice to the company for dumping hazardous wastes in agricultural lands at Plachimada and thereby polluting the water, soil, and the environment. But no subsequent action was taken despite strong directives from successive governments and Chief Ministers. A vigilance investigation can reveal the links of the chairman with the multinational company,” P.S. Panicker, samithi secretary, said.
“Though the company was closed down in 2004, water in the area was still contaminated due to residuary effects. The people in the region have no other option but to use it,” Dr. Panicker said.