Activists submit Memo to VS against Cola companies

Leaders of the Plachimada Anti-Coca-Cola Agitation Committee and the Anti-Pepsi Cola Agitation Committee submitted a petition to Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan on Sunday demanding action against the companies for alleged exploitation of groundwater and pollution of the environment.

The memorandum, submitted said the government had promised to convene a meeting of the departments concerned to initiate action against Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. for “polluting the groundwater and environment of Plachimada area affecting the local population.” The government had promised to hold a joint meeting of the Ground Water Department, Pollution Control Board and Health Department, the memorandum pointed out.

It urged the Chief Minister to take appropriate steps to conduct the case against the company pending in the Supreme Court by providing legal experts. The government should also initiate necessary steps to get compensation from the company for the affected people.