Plachimada compensation: Govt seeks legal advice again

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has sought legal advice from the Advocate General for the second time on the compensation issue for those affected by excessive water exploitation of the Plachimada Coca-Cola Company. The legal advice was sought from the AG in 2017 during the first Pinarayi government, but it has not been received yet.

Legal advice is being sought on the demand of the protest committee that the state's own legislation should be considered on the Plachimada issue in a way that does not affect the Central and National Green Tribunal laws. Government sources said that a final decision will be taken based on this.

The Plachimada Compensation Tribunal Bill, which was passed in 2011 during the VS government, was returned by the President in 2015. The demands raised by the locals remains unresolved for years. The Plachimada protest committee is still struggling.

Delhi Farmers’ protest leader and Bharatiya Kisan Union national spokesperson Rajesh Tikait visited Plachimada two months ago and expressed solidarity with the protest committee. He also submitted a petition to the Chief Minister asking for a fair decision to help the local residents. The government's move is in the backdrop of this. Tikait had clarified that the matter will be taken up at the national level if a favorable decision is not taken.

216 crores to be paid by Coca-Cola company

The State Pollution Control Board had constituted a Local Area Environment Protection Committee on 14 September 2004 to study the damage caused by the Coca-Cola Company in Plachimada and estimate the compensation. The committee found that the company should pay a compensation of Rs 216.26 crore, considering the impact on water, soil, agriculture, environment and health.