Srikakulam: AP Pollution Control Board on Friday issued notices to 33 cashewnut processing units in Mandasa,Vajrapukotturu, Meliaputti, Nandigam and Tekkali areas to change to the boiling system of processing from the present roasting system failing which severe action as per the provisions of the PCB would be initiated.

It also directed the owners of the units to attend to the `legal hearing' meeting of the Board at Visakhapatnam on May 16 and 17.

According to Environmental Engineer of the PCB (Vizianagaram), S.Venkateswarulu, reports from the mandal-level officers stated that roasting system of processing, which was against the directions of the court, had been going on.

It may be recalled that following a Public Interest Litigation by a Palasa-based Anti-Pollution Committee, and as per the orders of the court, the PCB had issued orders to 109 units in and around Palasa to change over to the boiling system of processing cashewnuts. They had to close down their units, because of the opposition from the labourers to change over to boiling system.

Workers' protest

In Palasa, workers had resorted to dharnas and other forms of agitation two weeks ago. They continued relay hunger-strikes for about a fortnight, but since the matter was in the court, nothing could be done and unions gave up the agitation.

Mr.Venkateswarulu said a committee headed by the Mandal Revenue Officer was set up to monitor the situation.

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