Kerala - Kochi   

Directive against reopening of Coke plant

Staff Reporter

Supreme Court panel submits report

KOCHI: In its final report submitted to the State Government, the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee (SCMC) on Hazardous Waste has asked the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) not to allow the Hindustan Coca-Cola unit at Plachimada to reopen until the company implements Committees' recommendations on supply of water.

The Committee's observation made earlier with respect to the supply of water at the plant has been independently reiterated by the Kerala High Court, the report said.

The Committee had earlier asked the company to take quick measures to ensure water supply to all the families in the vicinity of the plant.

In a previous report, the Committee gave the company permission to choose alternative water purification technology in place of the reverse osmosis system recommended by it. It was also suggested that the appropriate system be installed within six months and the PCB informed when the system was commissioned.

The report noted that during its first visit to the State, the Committee had found 198 industries without authorisation. However, the position today stands wholly reversed with 108 fully compliant, 17 closed and others partly compliant with adequate storage for hazardous wastes within their premises and membership of 37 units in the common Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility.

The report also calls for strengthening of the staff at PCB for effective monitoring of hazardous waste.

The PCB reported that as many as 69 posts were remaining vacant and 53 posts filled by deputation. Sixty-three posts require continuance sanction to be made permanent and 13 additional posts were required for administration of Hazardous Waste Rules and other environment legislations. The Committee has asked the Government to vacate any ban on recruitment.

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