Chennai: Although land has been allocated for a Coca Cola manufacturing plant in Erode District, no environment clearance has been accorded for it, the Tamil Nadu government told the state Assembly on Wednesday.
Just after Chief Minister O Panneerselvam concluded his reply to the discussion on budget, CPI(M) legislator K Balakrishnan raised the issue of nod for a Coca cola plant in Perunthurai in Erode District which is facing opposition.
In his intervention, Leader of the House, Natham Viswanathan said he wondered how the project would go ahead when it has been clarified in the House that environment clearance has not been accorded.
Industries Minister P Thangamani said allocation for a site for the plant at Perunthurai SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited) premises has been done but environment clearance had not been given.
Citing the GAIL pipeline project, which has been put on hold by the State government after stiff opposition, he said environment nod has not been given for Coca cola plant in the wake of opposition.
Steps will be taken on this issue after due consideration, he added.
There has been strong protest against the proposed Coca Cola manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu from opposition parties including the CPI(M), the Congress besides farmers.
Protest demonstrations have been held by local people, environment NGOs and traders in Perundurai and Chennaimalai regions of Erode District against the plant.
Local people had expressed apprehension that the unit would cause rapid ground water depletion and pollution of River Bhavani if allowed to operate.
However, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited, in the wake of protests, had said it would not use ground water and not let waste water come out of the plant premises.
