The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : ‘VS betraying Plachimada agitation’

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Wednesday, Aug 06, 2008
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‘VS betraying Plachimada agitation’

Special Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram: The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch has accused the LDF and Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan of betraying the six-year-long agitation against the Coco Cola plant at Plachimada.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, State joint convener of the Manch M. Gopal said Mr. Achuthanandan had failed to honour his word to close down the plant within 24 hours after the LDF assumed power in Kerala. “Two years after he became Chief Minister, he has not initiated any action.”

Mr. Gopal said the previous UDF government had notified Plachimada and adjoining areas under the groundwater laws.

“There has been no follow up action on the part of the LDF government. This is a betrayal of the stir and the people,” he said.

Mr.Gopal urged the government close down the plant and initiate legal proceedings.

He demanded compensation for the people affected by pollution from the plant.

The Manch is also demanding an amendment to the Pollution Control Act and the Panchayat Raj Act to deter the establishment and operation of polluting units. “Local bodies should be empowered to issue licence such units.”

He said the Manch would carry out a ‘public trial’ of the Chief Minister before the Secretariat on August 8 to focus attention on these issues.

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