Coca Cola plant in India in trouble

The head of the pollution control in Kerala, India has apparently ordered the Coca Cola Indian branch to close one of its largest bottling plants in the country. The reason behind the order is that the plant failed to comply with the rules of the agency dealing with the pollution in the area. G. Rajmohan, chairman of the state’s Pollution Control Board spoke in a statement: “”The plant does not have an adequate waste treatment system and pollution from the plant is affecting the drinking water in adjacent villages.”

Coca Cola is yet to release a response to this order from the agency. The particular plant in question happens to be one of the largest of Coca Cola’s 27 plants in India. It manufactures mineral water and soft drinks, including Coca-Cola, Kinley, and Thumbs Up. The controversy has run since a long time with the plant continuing to face notices and orders from the agency to control pollution caused by the unit.

The order to close the plant was the last straw in the hands of the agency as it blames the plant for depleting local groundwater. They have even denied issuing a new license to the firm to continue working in the area. The situation was made worse when the plant failed to release the details about cadmium content of its waste. The notice was sent to the company yesterday asking for closing the plant.

Village council president A. Krishnan welcomed the decision taken by the pollution board and said: “We have been fighting for the closure of this plant for more than two years now. We are happy that the government is finally giving justice to the people who are affected by the plant.” They had gained a minor victory earlier when they managed to get the plant closed for 16 months.