Green experts to decide on Coke plant: CM

Locals assure CM that if plant is eco-friendly and provides development to the area, they will have no objection against the bottling facility

Uttarakhand chief minister Vijay Bahuguna said the proposed Coca-Cola plant in Chharba village, near here, would be given final approval by a committee of environmental experts.

“The plant will be set up only after it is confirmed it will not have an adverse impact on the local environment. A committee of environment experts would examine and give the final approval”, the chief minister told a delegation of Chharba villagers, who met him at his residence and expressed certain apprehensions regarding the plant, where the beverage giant would invest Rs 600 crore.

The local people told Bahuguna that if the plant would not affect the local environment and would provide development to the area, then they would have no objection against the facility.    

The CM said the government would ensure that the interests of the villagers were not compromised and also that no decision would taken on the basis of apprehensions. “Facts would be checked by experts,” Bahuguna said. The memorandum of agreement signed with the company has promised employment to 1,000-1,200 local people and the youth would be trained by the company, if required, said the chief minister.

Coca Cola has also promised to give Rs 20 crore to the state government as local area development fund every year.

Environmental norms of the Central government would have to be fulfilled by the company, Bahuguna said.